New Delhi, July 8 -- Switzerland ended their long wait to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, beating Colombia in their round-of-16 clash in Vancouver on Tuesday.

Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1954. After Manuel Akanji's penalty went over the crossbar and Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Davinson Sanchez and Juan Hernandez's penalty, Ruben Vargas's attempt was the decisive one.

Vargas made no mistake with the penalty kick, as Switzerland finally broke their quarter-final hoodoo.

"It is very difficult for me to realise what we achieved today," Vargas said.

"I'm grateful for this moment. It ​was an amazing match for me....