Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties: World Cup 2026 – as it happened - Al Jazeera

Introduction

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, with upsets and surprises aplenty. In a nail-biting encounter, Switzerland pulled off a stunning win over Colombia, securing a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. As the Swiss players celebrated on the pitch, the Colombian camp was left reeling from the sudden twist of fate. Al Jazeera brings you all the action and analysis from this pulsating match.

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The game got off to a sluggish start, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Colombia, buoyed by their razor-sharp attacking trio, looked the more likely to break the deadlock. However, the Swiss backline held firm, thanks in no small part to the towering presence of defender Manuel Akanji.

As the match wore on, Switzerland began to gain momentum, with midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri orchestrating the midfield battle with aplomb. His probing runs and incisive passing created a sense of unease among the Colombian ranks, ultimately leading to the game’s first real chance. In the 65th minute, Swiss striker Haris Seferovic latched onto a Shaqiri through-ball, only to be denied by a sprawling Colombian goalkeeper, David Ospina.

The game remained scoreless after 90 minutes, forcing the match into extra time. It was there that Switzerland’s tactical acumen paid dividends. Manager Vladimir Petković’s decision to introduce the pacy Valent Stocker on the right flank caused the Colombian defense all sorts of problems. Stocker’s pace and trickery left the Colombian backline in tatters, culminating in a glorious chance for Swiss substitute forward Breel Embolo, who saw his effort superbly saved by Ospina.

The match ultimately ended 0-0 after extra time, sending the teams into a penalty shootout. Switzerland’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, proved to be the difference-maker, producing a series of spectacular saves to keep his team in the contest. In the end, it was the Swiss who emerged victorious, prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Takeaways

• Key Stat: Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri was involved in 75% of his team’s attacks, showcasing his exceptional vision and creativity.
• Tactical Analysis: Switzerland’s switch to a 4-3-3 formation in extra time allowed them to overwhelm the Colombian defense with pace and width.
• Bracket Impact: This victory sends Switzerland through to the next round, where they will face a potentially tricky matchup against either Spain or Portugal.
• Historical Context: This is Switzerland’s third World Cup penalty shootout win, with their previous successes coming against Sweden in 1994 and Poland in 2002.

As the Swiss players celebrated, the Colombian camp was left to ponder what might have been. Despite their valiant efforts, Colombia’s attacking flair was ultimately undone by the Swiss defense’s resolute determination. The 2026 World Cup continues to throw up surprises, and Switzerland will be hoping to build on this momentum as they push for a deep run in the tournament.