It has happened! The Swiss national team is in a World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1954. After a nerve-wracking round of 16 match against Colombia that remained scoreless after 120 minutes, the "Nati" prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Gregor Kobel became the hero with a save. On Saturday, Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina in Kansas City.
The road to the quarter-finals
After the bitter 1-1 draw in the opener against Qatar, the Nati quickly found its rhythm. A 4-1 victory followed against Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the substitutes secured the result in the final phase. In the final group match in Vancouver, Switzerland defeated co-hosts Canada 2-1. Ruben Vargas scored shortly after the break, and Johan Manzambi increased the lead. With that, winning the group was sealed.
In the new round of the last 32, Switzerland faced Algeria in Vancouver. Breel Embolo gave the Nati an early lead, and Dan Ndoye increased it to 2-0 immediately after the break. A commanding performance that provided confidence for the round of 16.
The drama against Colombia
The round of 16 match against Colombia was a hard-fought battle. Both teams had chances, but the goalkeepers and defenses held firm. After 120 minutes, the score was 0-0. In the penalty shootout, Gregor Kobel saved one Colombian attempt, and another bounced off the crossbar. The Swiss shooters kept their nerve, and the celebration knew no bounds.
The round of 16 curse is broken
For Switzerland, this success is historic. At the 1994, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, it was always over in the round of 16. The 2006 exit was particularly painful, as the Nati was eliminated by Ukraine in a penalty shootout without converting a single penalty. This time it was the other way around: Switzerland had the better end of the deal in the shootout.
Now Argentina awaits
In the quarter-final on Saturday in Kansas City, the Nati faces Argentina, the reigning world champions. With Lionel Messi, who is arguably playing in his last major tournament, and a team full of experience, the Argentines are the clear favorites. However, Switzerland has shown in this tournament that it can handle pressure. With a stable defense, a strong goalkeeper, and efficient counter-attacking, an upset is possible.
Penalties are a matter of mind and technique
The victory against Colombia shows that penalty shootouts are not a lottery. Those who regularly practice shooting under pressure, have a set routine, and decide on a corner before the run-up significantly increase their chances. This is complemented by clean shooting technique that works even with shaking knees.
World Cup fever across the country
For many fans in Switzerland, the match from Vancouver meant staying up late. It was worth it. For many children, this is the first great World Cup euphoria they are consciously experiencing, and many will be practicing penalties and volleys in the garden these days.
For those who want to soak up the enthusiasm, the VOLLEYCHAMP® offers an easy way to train volleys and one-touch shots, alone or with friends. Perhaps this is how the next World Cup hero is born.
A team without stars, but with a system
What distinguishes this Nati is less a single superstar than a functioning collective. Everyone knows their role, the substitutes bring energy, and the defense is compact. Especially against technically strong opponents like Argentina, this unity can make the difference.
Saturday is the day. All of Switzerland is keeping its fingers crossed. Hopp Schwiiz!
