Quarterfinals set after Switzerland outlasts Colombia in shootout

The World Cup quarterfinal field is set.

Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties Tuesday to book the last remaining quarterfinal berth at this summer’s tournament.

The Swiss will take on defending champion Argentina in the next round.

Quarterfinal schedule

Thursday, July 9

France vs. Morocco (4 p.m. ET – Boston)

Friday, July 10

Spain vs. Belgium (3 p.m. ET – Los Angeles)

Saturday, July 11

Norway vs. England (5 p.m. ET – Miami)
Argentina vs. Switzerland (9 p.m. ET – Kansas City)

A thrilling last-16 stage ended with a tense affair in Vancouver between the Swiss and Colombians. More than 120 minutes wasn’t enough to separate the two teams, as a goalless draw set up the shootout.

Ruben Vargas converted the winning spot-kick for Switzerland after Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez failed to score from 12 yards out for Los Cafeteros; the defender hit the crossbar, and the forward was denied by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Both sides had close calls in the closing minutes of normal time – and both protested for potential penalties – but neither could break the deadlock.

Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi hit the crossbar with a header in extra time, and Jaminton Campaz then wasted a glorious opportunity when he sent a close-range shot over the bar in the 115th minute.

Colombia would go on to rue those missed opportunities, as Switzerland kept its cool from the spot and reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

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