VANCOUVER: Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after an extra-time goalless draw to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 ​and set up a meeting with holders Argentina.

The shootout swung in Switzerland’s favour when ‌their goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez’s penalty after Davinson Sanchez had earlier hit the crossbar for Colombia.

Although Manuel Akanji also missed for Switzerland, firing over the bar, Ruben Vargas made no mistake with the decisive kick, stroking ​the ball into the bottom corner.

Colombia, who were bidding to reach ​the quarters for only the second time after 2014 World Cup in Brazil, lost the same way they fell to England in 2018.

The best opportunity of the first half arrived in ​the 21st minute when Colombia midfielder Gustavo Puerta curled a shot towards the far corner from around ​18 yards, forcing Kobel into a superb diving save to his left.

Switzerland responded moments later, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was equal to Fabian Rieder’s effort from a tight angle.

Swiss winger Dan Ndoye nearly snatched a winner in the ​91st minute, making a clever run before dragging a low shot across goal just wide of ​the far post.

In extra time, Colombia centre back Jhon Lucumi came within inches of breaking the deadlock, rising unmarked ‌to meet ⁠a corner only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

Switzerland ​will face Argentina in the quarters in Kansas City.

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