Switzerland reached a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in 72 years, beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes in Vancouver, and Murat Yakin’s team will now meet defending champions Argentina as Switzerland chase a first ever place in the semi-finals.

The shoot-out success follows previous quarter-final appearances in 1934, 1938 and 1954, all in 16-team tournaments where Switzerland never reached the last four, with that 1954 defeat remembered for a 7-5 loss to Austria, still the highest-scoring match in World Cup history.

Captain Granit Xhaka said the squad had already changed national expectations with this campaign, stating: “I think this generation we have now is a special one. Hopefully, we’ll see another one like it one day, but we’ve been waiting a long time for a group like this.”

Xhaka highlighted the internal competition driving standards within the camp, explaining: “We, the more experienced players, are being pushed by the younger ones, and at the same time, we have to lead by example every single day and in every single game. We try to pass on our experience, and we have the mentality that, even as a small nation, anything is possible at this level, in elite football. From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved.”

The contest itself remained tight and conservative, with Colombia posting 0.4 expected goals to Switzerland’s 0.3 across the first 90 minutes, giving a total of 0.7 xG, the lowest figure for any match in regulation time at this World Cup, underlining how few clear chances either side created.

Switzerland managed only two shots on target across 131 minutes, with the last arriving in the 32nd minute, yet Yakin was satisfied that the defensive structure and game management stayed intact throughout a match where both teams looked cautious and wary of conceding first.

Yakin praised the squad for sticking to detailed instructions, saying: “I don’t think you want to hear my gameplan today, but it worked out exactly the way we wanted it to, and in the end, that’s what matters, Yakin said. It wasn’t just about that, though. At the start, we needed experience. We needed the right mentality. Then, in the second half, we made substitutions that gave us even more control, especially in possession. And as the game went on, we were also able to bring on the players we wanted for the penalty shoot-out. You always have a plan. When it works out in the end, it’s all the more satisfying. Of course, we also had a bit of luck today, and that’s part of football.”

One of those key changes saw Djibril Sow replace Ardon Jashari at half-time, a move Yakin felt allowed Switzerland to keep better control of midfield, spend longer periods with the ball, and steer the game towards the penalty shoot-out where the planned takers were already prepared.

Colombia World Cup quarter-final exit and reaction

Colombia’s exit added another painful chapter to the country’s World Cup history, with Nestor Lorenzo’s team now eliminated in all three knockout ties that have gone to extra time, a joint tournament record for a nation never to win such a tie, matching the experiences of Mexico and Romania.

Lorenzo’s side had been labelled dark horses before the competition started, and striker Luis Suarez admitted disappointment at the last-eight loss, saying: “I thought this team was destined for better things, he said. I simply want to thank the whole country and the people who filled the stadium. Let’s hope this is a major turning point, because what this team showed at this World Cup has to be viewed from the positive side.”

Switzerland now prepare for Argentina knowing history offers no comfort, yet the squad believes the blend of experienced leaders, ambitious younger players, disciplined tactical work and a strong mindset has already delivered a rare World Cup quarter-final, with an even greater milestone still within reach.