Switzerland reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time by beating Argentina 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the quarter-final in St Petersburg.
Switzerland take early lead
Switzerland took the lead in the 12th minute when Xherdan Shaqiri curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. Argentina struggled to create chances in the first half, with Lionel Messi largely anonymous.
Argentina equalise but fail to find winner
Argentina equalised in the 68th minute through a Gabriel Mercado header from a corner. Both teams had chances to win in normal time, but the match went to extra time and then penalties. Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer saved from Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in the shootout, while Argentina's Franco Armani saved from Manuel Akanji. Ricardo Rodriguez scored the winning penalty for Switzerland.
Historic achievement for Switzerland
According to coach Vladimir Petkovic, "This is a historic achievement for Swiss football. The players showed incredible character and belief." Switzerland will now face either Brazil or Belgium in the semi-finals.
