Switzerland sealed its qualification to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Fifa World Cup and will play against Argentina.
A shot by Rubén Vargas that Camilo Vargas could not save put an end to the coffee growers’ journey to the World Cup.
The Colombian team imposed conditions in the first half through high pressure and ball control, neutralizing a Switzerland that only found escape routes on the sides.
Despite the coffee dominance, the match maintained a high intensity with dangerous approaches in both areas.
Switzerland seemed to wake up in the second half with Reider again threatening with a set piece that almost put the Europeans ahead on the scoreboard in the early stages.
But Colombia quickly put pressure back on the rival field, with Suárez starring in a great individual action by stealing a ball from the rival’s exit. However, he lacked aim in finishing in front of the goal.
The logistical factor barely made a dent in the coffee industry as a whole. Despite facing a tight preparation time and being the only team forced to travel through the three countries of the competition, the possible competitive disadvantages took a backseat to their performance.
Switzerland tightened the screws on the Colombian offense with a shot by Dan Ndoye who, just before leaving the field in the final stages, lapped past the goal.
Extra time only confirmed the closeness of the match and, after the penalty shootout, Switzerland won and will face Argentina in the quarterfinals, one of the great candidates for the title and the only Conmebol team left alive in the tournament.
Shakira’s reaction
After the elimination of the Colombian team, Shakira, the singer, star and World Cup icon, spoke out on social networks and sent a message to her compatriots.
“My team has played this World Cup with a dedication that makes us all proud,” Shakira wrote in a Story (story) on Instagram.
“We have given everything and it is clear that God does not think about football because if not, we would have gone to the quarterfinals,” added the singer of hits like Dai Dai, Hips Don’t Lie, and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), inter alia.
“Those tears of our Lucho Díaz are tears of each of us, Colombians, who shout, get excited, sing and celebrate every step of our team. And, although this result is not up to our dreams, I want to thank with all my heart this team of fighters who have represented us so well and have made us feel so proud. I love them,” he concluded.