Vancouver [US], July 7: Switzerland and Colombia will face off in the concluding FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Tuesday with both teams equally confident of their chances.
Both enjoyed relatively serene passages in the previous round, with Switzerland defeating Algeria 2-0 and Colombia easing past Ghana 1-0.
It was a similar story in the group stage with Switzerland topping Group B with seven points as Murat Yakin's side utilised their experience to advance.
Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo have scored seven goals between them, proving the attacking variation Switzerland have at their disposal.
The European side, however, conceded in each of their three group stage matches, so the clean sheet against Algeria was a morale booster with defender Manuel Akanji stressing on the importance of being resolute at the back as Switzerland focus on steering past Colombia.
"We defended well and I think we scored the goals at the right moment," said Akanji. "To keep a clean sheet for the first time, that's something as a defender that you always want to do.
"Finally [we could win a knockout stage match] too but hopefully we're not done yet. I think it was a good performance and it wasn't easy. Algeria played really well, but I think we played with a lot of experience."
Colombia also had an impressive group stage, topping Group K ahead of European powerhouse Portugal.
Nestor Lorenzo's side are aiming for a quarter-final appearance for the first time since 2014, which is the furthest the South American side have reached on the global stage.
Argentine tactician Lorenzo has also relied on the experience within the squad but amidst the slew of older heads, 22-year-old midfielder Gustavo Puerta has shone since being given his opportunity.
"The coach wants me to be as versatile as possible," Puerta told FIFA after the Ghana game. "He's deployed me on the right, on the left and sometimes as a holding midfielder. To be honest, I feel really comfortable. I just try to help the team in any way I possibly can.
"We're all fully on board with the coach's system. We can all play in different positions, and I think that gives the coach more options when it comes to setting up the team."
Source: Qatar Tribune
