Switzerland are through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after defeating Colombia on penalties on Tuesday — a result that manager Murat Yakin described as a release from a long-standing curse.

Yakin made no secret of his relief after the shootout victory, referencing Switzerland's painful history with penalty shootouts and the weight that history had placed on his players heading into the decisive kicks.

The win over Colombia marks a significant milestone for Swiss football, with the national team finally conquering a format that had haunted them for years. Yakin's squad held their nerve when it mattered most, converting enough spot-kicks to send Switzerland into the last eight.

Colombia, who had been dangerous throughout the tournament, were ultimately eliminated in cruel fashion — their World Cup campaign ending without the shootout success their performances may have merited.

Switzerland will now face the prospect of a quarterfinal tie as one of the final eight nations remaining in the competition, with Yakin and his squad having built genuine momentum from a dramatic night of football.