Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel was the penalty heroDefending champions Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Europeans edged Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in Vancouver.Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland’s hero, producing a crucial save from Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernandez during the shootout to send Murat Yakin’s side into the last eight for the first time since 1954.The penalty shootout had already seen both teams miss from the spot. Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez struck the underside of the crossbar before Switzerland centre-back Manuel Akanji blazed his effort over the bar.Kobel then produced the decisive moment by denying Hernandez, allowing Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas to convert the final two Swiss penalties after Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni had also found the net.The Round of 16 contest offered few clear-cut opportunities during normal time, with Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi hitting the crossbar with a header while Jaminton Campaz tested Kobel from distance in extra time.Switzerland also threatened through substitute Zeki Amdouni, whose effort forced a save from Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.Colombia had the best chance to avoid penalties in the closing stages of extra time, but Campaz curled his effort over the crossbar after a defensive mistake gifted him possession.The miss proved costly as the South Americans suffered another painful World Cup penalty shootout exit, having also been eliminated from the tournament on penalties by England in the Round of 16 in 2018.Switzerland will now take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, July 12, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
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Argentina to face Switzerland in World Cup quarter-finals after penalty shootout drama
