Murat Yakin hails Switzerland's perfect game plan after Colombia win

VANCOUVER: Switzerland coach Murat Yakin admitted his side's carefully prepared game plan paid off after they defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals following a goalless draw here at BC Place on Tuesday.

Switzerland held their nerve in the shootout, with Ruben Vargas converting the decisive penalty after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Juan Hernandez to put the Europeans within touching distance of the last eight.

Reflecting on the victory, Yakin revealed the result was the product of meticulous planning, although he was reluctant to disclose the details.

"I don’t think you want to hear my match plan today, but it worked out exactly the way we wanted it to," Yakin said. 

"And in the end, that’s what matters. It wasn’t just about that, though. At the start, we needed experience. We needed the right mentality."

The Swiss coach explained that tactical adjustments after the interval helped his side gain greater control of the contest before preparing specifically for the penalty shootout.

"Then, in the second half, we made a substitution that gave us even more control, especially in possession," Yakin explained.  

"And as the game went on, we were also able to bring on the players we wanted for the penalty shootout."

Yakin said every knockout match requires careful planning, but acknowledged that fortune also played its part in Switzerland's success.

"You always have a plan. When it works out in the end, it’s all the more satisfying," Yakin concluded.

"Of course, we also had a bit of luck today, and that’s part of football."

Switzerland will now face Argentina in Saturday's quarter-final after ending Colombia's hopes of reaching the last eight.