Switzerland expect toughest challenge yet from Colombia in World Cup last 16

VANCOUVER – Switzerland are preparing for a fiery contest on and off the pitch against Colombia, as they gear up for what they expect to be their toughest test of the tournament in their World Cup last-16 clash on July 7, midfielder Ardon Jashari said on July 5.

Having experienced a hostile atmosphere in their 2-1 group-stage victory over co-hosts Canada, the 23-year-old expects an equally passionate challenge from the Colombian supporters at BC Place in Vancouver as the Swiss chase a place in the quarter-finals.

“I think we felt it the most against Canada – 90 per cent of the stadium was from Canada. I think this time, it will be a little bit more special,” Jashari told reporters.

“The Colombians are not only emotional on the pitch, but also in the stands. I think we also had that at the World Cup in Qatar with Brazil. Now, it’s just another situation. We are in a knockout phase. It will certainly be a hot game, even in the stands.”

While Colombia present a formidable obstacle, Jashari said the Swiss were focused on producing their best performance rather than musing on who might be favourites.

Competing at their sixth successive World Cup, Switzerland’s consistency in qualifying has been matched by the predictability of their exits during that period, with progress beyond the last 16 proving an enduring issue.

They were eliminated at that stage in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022, and a group-stage exit in 2010 remains the lone exception in an otherwise consistent run to the knockout stages.

Swiss forward Ruben Vargas, who has contributed two goals and one assist in four appearances at the tournament, highlighted the impact of 20-year-old teammate Johan Manzambi.

The midfielder was central to Switzerland’s 2-0 last-32 win over Algeria on July 2, a result that ended the nation’s 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.

Manzambi has scored three goals and provided two assists in four matches at the tournament.

“I think we all saw what he’s capable of with his age,” Vargas, 27, said. “I think it’s not normal really, that he does things already helping us with goals and assists. I really see a bright future for him and we are really happy to have him in our team.”

The Swiss attacking foursome of Manzambi, Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Vargas have been in fine form at this World Cup, scoring eight of their country’s nine goals between them.

“From the first day, he was a special player, a valuable player... He’s improving from game to game, and he’s very dangerous for every attack,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin told reporters following Manzambi’s assist for Embolo’s opening goal in their win over Algeria.

“Besides the fact that he brings out the quality of the other players on the pitch, he’s also very humble, he works cleverly and is team-oriented. It’s a great pleasure to see him play like that. And of course, if he helps the team to win, then it’s even nicer.”

Colombia have weapons of their own, including prominent attacker Luis Diaz.

He is supported by the likes of striker Luis Suarez and playmaker James Rodriguez. Full-backs Daniel Munoz and Johan Mojica have shone, and so has versatile midfielder Jhon Arias.

Nestor Lorenzo’s side have been South America’s standard-bearers at the tournament, alongside Argentina, as evidenced by them finishing top of Group K ahead of heavyweights Portugal.

The winners of the tie on July 7 will face either Argentina or Egypt in the quarter-finals. REUTERS