Switzerland held their nerve in a tense shootout to defeat Colombia 4-3 on penalties in a dramatic ending in Vancouver to what was widely dubbed one of the worst game of this World Cup. The contest was scoreless after 120 minutes and a penalty misses from Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and an all-important save from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel ensured that Switzerland will meet Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland stayed patient and benefited from the right substitutes at the right time to edge past Colombia on penalties on Tuesday ​and reach the World Cup quarter-finals, Swiss coach Murat Yakin ‌said.

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Vancouver on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 1954.

"This is what sets this World Cup apart. It's very complicated. All the games are going to be very difficult."

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Switzerland manager Murat Yakin expressed his delight at breaking the country's penalty "curse" after beating Colombia in a shootout Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, beating Colombia 4-3 in a shootout after a scoreless draw