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Kobel Shootout Save Sends Switzerland Into World Cup Last Eight
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Kobel Shootout Save Sends Switzerland Into World Cup Last Eight

July 9, 2026 By BeatzHive Editorial 2 min read

Kobel Shootout Save Sends Switzerland Into First World Cup Quarter-Final Since 1954

Switzerland are through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in over seven decades after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties in Vancouver. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stopped the decisive spot-kick following 120 goalless minutes at BC Place, booking the Swiss a last-eight meeting with Argentina.

Gregor Kobel Shines In Tense Penalty Shootout

According to reports, the contest was tight and cautious throughout, with both teams built around defensive discipline rather than attacking risk. Colombia carved out the sharper first-half moments, and Kobel was called into action in the 21st minute to turn away a curling Gustavo Puerta strike heading for the top corner. At the other end, efforts from Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye were dealt with by Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Openings dried up further after the break as the stakes tightened. Switzerland saw two late penalty appeals waved away, while Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz squandered the game’s clearest chance, firing over with only the goalkeeper in front of him after an error by Granit Xhaka. Extra time brought more near-misses: Jhon Lucumi struck the crossbar with a header for Colombia, and Zeki Amdouni drew a stop from Vargas for the Swiss.

The shootout swung both ways. Davinson Sanchez rattled the bar with his attempt and Kobel denied Cucho Hernandez, but Manuel Akanji then blazed over when he could have sealed it. Luis Diaz converted to keep Colombia breathing before Ruben Vargas calmly dispatched the winning kick.

Switzerland Secures First Quarter Final Since 1954

This result carries real historical weight for Swiss football. Reportedly, the nation had not featured in a World Cup quarter-final since 1954, and this win also snaps a run of three straight eliminations at the Round of 16 stage — a barrier that had come to define their tournament story.

The reward is a formidable one: a clash with defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. Knockout football at this level often turns on fine margins and goalkeeping moments, and Kobel’s heroics have given Switzerland belief heading into the biggest fixture of their modern era.

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