NYON, Switzerland : Swiss fans paid tribute to their national team in the early hours of Sunday after their historic World Cup campaign ended with a 3-1 extra-time defeat by defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland reached the last eight for the first time since 1954 but fell one match short of a maiden World Cup semi-final after Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored late in extra time to send Argentina through.
The Swiss were without leading scorer Johan Manzambi because of a knee injury, while Breel Embolo’s controversial second yellow card in the 72nd minute left them with 10 men for the closing stages.
Despite the disappointment, supporters applauded the team’s achievements as they left fan zones waving Swiss flags.
“In our hearts you won, Switzerland,” supporter Laura K. said in Nyon. “Ten against 11 with Argentina.”
Swiss President Guy Parmelin also praised Murat Yakin’s side on social media.
“Despite today’s disappointment, what stands out for me above all is an exceptional campaign and a close-knit team that has thrilled the whole of Switzerland,” he wrote.
Parmelin had drawn attention earlier in the tournament by wearing a red cap bearing the slogan “Switzerland: Great Since 1291” while attending the team’s knockout-stage victory over Algeria in Vancouver.
Argentina took the lead through Alexis Mac Allister before Dan Ndoye equalised in the 67th minute to send the match into extra time.
With penalties looming, Alvarez and Martinez struck in the closing minutes to secure victory and set up a semi-final against England.
Some supporters struggled to hide their disappointment.
“In my opinion, it’s better not to talk, I’m too tired,” fan Emma Bannerlin said.
Switzerland equalled their best World Cup performance by reaching the quarter-finals, matching their runs in 1934, 1938 and on home soil in 1954.
Yakin’s side qualified for the tournament by topping their group after losing only one of their previous 42 World Cup qualifiers.
They advanced to the knockout rounds after victories over Bosnia and co-hosts Canada in the group stage before eliminating Algeria and Colombia.
The squad blended experienced internationals with emerging talent and reflected Switzerland’s multicultural identity, featuring players with Kosovan, Turkish, Spanish, Congolese and Cameroonian heritage.
Captain Granit Xhaka led a core group of players drawn from Europe’s top leagues, including goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, defender Manuel Akanji, midfielder Remo Freuler, forward Embolo and winger Ndoye.
