After a nervy encounter remained 0-0 after extra-time, Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to progress to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It was a tight affair at BC Place stadium, with both sides respecting the other. The partizan pro-Colombian crowd thought they had their moment when Jhon Lucumi struck the crossbar, but after Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez’ penalty, Ruben Vargas fired home the winner to send Switzerland through.
Although they will be ecstatic to have advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since they hosted the 1954 tournament, having scored in all four of their previous matches in the competition, Switzerland will be disappointed to have not found the back of the net to avoid the lottery of the shootout.
Manzambi’s Absence Felt
A large reason for their struggles was the absence of Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old has been one of the standout stars of the tournament so far, bagging three goals and two assists, but a knee injury in training on Monday ruled him out of this game and potentially for the rest of the tournament.
Against Qatar and Bosnia, without Manzambi, Switzerland had looked laboured in attack and struggled to create chances. When he came on, the difference was immediately apparent, as the Swiss put four past Bosnia and scored twice against Canada and Algeria to advance this far.
In Vancouver, Switzerland returned to their tepid selves. Across 120 minutes they only had seven shots, with only two of those troubling veteran shot stopper Camilo Vargas in the Colombia goal.
Creative Burden on Ndoye
Most of the creative burden fell to Manzambi’s partner in crime, Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye. He was excellent at limiting the attacking prowess of Daniel Munoz, but despite having the most touches in the opposition box of any player on the pitch, struggled to create openings.
Ndoye was one of the main beneficiaries of Manzambi’s roaming dribbling, bagging goals in each of the previous two games and looking threatening throughout. Without the Freiburg man, it seemed like Colombia were easily able to contain Ndoye and the rest of Switzerland’s attack.
If Manzambi is indeed injured for the rest of the tournament, then Murat Yakin will have to come up with a solution, and quickly, if his team are to pose a serious goal threat throughout the remainder of the competition.
Can Switzerland Attack Argentina?
With an Argentina side buoyed by a Lionel Messi inspired comeback awaiting Switzerland in the last eight, this attacking showing will be a cause for concern for Yakin.
However, the reigning champions have yet to flatter themselves in this competition, with 3-2 victories over African sides Cape Verde and Egypt proving tougher affairs than they appeared on paper.
In those games, tricky wingers Ryan Mendes and Haissem Hassan ran their fullbacks ragged with direct, pacy dribbling – exactly the role that Manzambi would be expected to provide.
There are gaps in an aging backline for players like Ndoye or Vargas, who himself is recovering from injury problems, to exploit. With the Freiburg man absent, others will have to step up for Die Nati to pose problems for the Argentinian backline.
Switzerland will need to see a marked improvement from players like Ndoye if they are to cause an upset and progress to the final four.