After the emotional rollercoaster of Argentina vs. Egypt, boredom reigns supreme in the last round of 16 of the World Cup. The match between Switzerland and Colombia, won 4-3 on penalties by the Swiss, ended goalless, with neither team creating many dangerous chances throughout the 120 minutes.

Thus ended this year's round of 16, with Vargas scoring the decisive penalty, beating the Colombian goalkeeper—his namesake—and sparking celebrations throughout an entire country that had been waiting so long for this moment. Switzerland is back in the quarterfinals more than 70 years after losing 7-5 to Austria in 1954. Now they face the reigning world champions and the eternal Messi, who has already scored eight goals at this World Cup, finding the net in every match.

In a match marked by a high tempo and numerous errors in passing, the difference was primarily made by the defenses, which allowed very little to be made by the quality of the attackers on both sides. There were few chances in the 120 minutes of play, and the excitement was all there in the final minutes, in the penalty shootout.

Among the Swiss, only Akanji missed (his shot went high), while among the Colombians, Sanchez missed, who sent it onto the crossbar, and Hernandez, whose shot was saved by Kobel.

Now we have the complete picture of the quarter-finals.

France-Morocco (Thursday, July 9, 10 p.m.)

Spain-Belgium (Friday, July 10, 9 p.m.)

Norway vs. England (Saturday, July 11, 11 p.m.)

Argentina-Switzerland (Sunday, July 12, 3:00 a.m.)

(Unioneonline)

© Riproduzione riservata