FIFA WC: 'Wasn't sure if I would be able to play,' says Vargas after guiding Switzerland to historic QF
Vancouver, July 8
Ruben Vargas said he had yet to fully process Switzerland's progress to the World Cup quarter-finals after converting the decisive penalty in Wednesday's shootout against Colombia. The winger, who had been a fitness doubt before the match, said he was grateful simply to have been able to play in the round-of-16 encounter.
"I don't think I've fully realized it yet; I'm thankful for this moment. I wasn't even sure if I would be able to play," the 27-year-old said after the match as quoted by Xinhua.
Vargas sent Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas the wrong way to seal a 4-3 shootout win after the teams were locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes in Vancouver. Switzerland will face reigning champion Argentina in Kansas City on July 11, marking the European team's first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954.
"We somehow managed to give it a try, and looking back now, I'm just grateful and happy that I was able to help the team," he said. "The team worked incredibly hard and fought for more than 120 minutes. It wasn't easy to play football here today. And now we've made history. It simply feels amazing."
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin praised the impact of second-half substitute Djibril Sow, who he said had helped his team regain control in midfield and neutralize Colombia's attacking threat.
"At the start, we needed experience. We needed the right mentality,then, in the second half, we made a substitution that gave us even more control, especially in possession. And as the game went on, we were also able to bring on the players we wanted for the penalty shootout," Yakin said after the match.
"You always have a plan. When it works out in the end, it's all the more satisfying. Of course, we also had a bit of luck today, and that's part of football," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
What a match! 0-0 after 120 minutes is intense, but the shootout drama is what makes football beautiful. Vargas kept his cool under pressure. As an Indian who loves the game, I hope we see our national team in such moments one day. For now, I'm cheering for Switzerland!
Honestly, Switzerland's run is a testament to teamwork. Yakin's substitution of Sow was a masterstroke. But let's be honest, they'll need more than luck against Argentina. Still, as a neutral fan, I love seeing underdogs like this make history. Respect to Vargas for his comeback. 🙌
As an Indian football fan, moments like these make me believe in the magic of the sport. Vargas's humility is refreshing. He wasn't sure he'd play, but he stepped up when it mattered. That's the spirit we need in our own players. Hope we see more upsets like this in the tournament!
Great for Switzerland, but I feel Colombia deserved more. They controlled large parts of the game. Yakin's admission of luck is honest. Football is cruel sometimes. But respect to Vargas for the penalty—ice in his veins! The Argentina clash will be a true test. 🏆
This is why I love the World Cup—history in the making! Switzerland's first quarterfinal since 1954 is incredible. Vargas's story is beautiful: from doubt to hero. I just hope the team doesn't get complacent. Argentina will be a different beast. But for now, enjoy the moment, boys! 🥳
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