Switzerland and Colombia went into the dressing room tied 0-0 after a balanced first half that saw both goalkeepers struggle. Colombia pressed hard from the start and found their best chance in Puerta’s shot from the edge of the area, which Kobel saved with a good intervention. Luis Diaz looked for depth on the left and James Rodriguez moved the ball into the corners, but the Swiss defense fought back.
It took Switzerland a while to find the ball, but after the wet break it grew. Rieder created the first clear chance for the Swiss with a shot into the box that was well saved by Camilo Vargas. Soon after, Ndoye tried his luck on the left flank and the Colombian goalkeeper answered again. Ricardo Rodriguez found space to cross from the left flank but missed the target with Embolo. The game was even in possession and sometimes even until the break.
The second half comes with everything open and with the unknown who will be able to turn partial dominance into a goal. Colombia have shown offensive resources with Puerta, Diaz and the rise of Daniel Muñoz, but Switzerland have shown they can create danger when they find space. Manzambi’s defeat had a negative impact on the Swiss attack, although Rieder and Ndoye showed signs of life. The round of 16 duel is still alive and whoever does it first will move on to the quarter-finals against Argentina.
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