Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has hailed his team’s historic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, www.acl sports.com reports.
The Swiss reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after a tense goalless draw with Colombia was decided on penalties. Yakin praised his players for their maturity, patience, and togetherness.
“I think all the hard work has paid off, the whole qualification campaign and all the preparation for this World Cup,” said Yakin. “Many things came together, including the way we played. We set ourselves a goal, and every little piece of the puzzle has fallen into place from the beginning of this tournament.”
The Switzerland coach highlighted the team’s development throughout the competition, insisting that every decision and detail had played a part in their remarkable achievement.
“We have kept developing. For me, it is extremely satisfying to see how this team has continued to grow. Every small decision, every detail, was important.”
The Swiss boss explained that the team had to adjust their approach after the injury setback suffered by Johann but felt the revised plan worked perfectly.
“It was not easy because we had already worked through our tactical preparations, every small detail and every phase of play. We had to adjust the plan a little. We did not want the match to be decided after 90 or 120 minutes, but somehow it felt like this game was written for penalties.”
Yakin also praised the impact of his substitutes, saying their contribution was crucial in helping Switzerland reach the next round.
“The players who came on made a difference, and that made things easier for us. It was also important that the players who were going to take penalties were on the pitch at the end.”
The coach, who has been in charge of Switzerland for five years, said the achievement was the result of a long-term process involving his staff and players.
“You cannot plan five years ago exactly what happens today. But every small step, every analysis, every decision has paid off, and the players are now ready for moments like this.”
Switzerland had set themselves the target of becoming the country’s best-ever World Cup team, and Yakin believes they have achieved that milestone.
“We wanted to become the best Swiss team ever at a World Cup, and we have achieved that. But I believe the journey continues. We now have the possibility of playing Argentina, the world champions.”
The Switzerland coach believes his team’s ability to adapt and execute their plans gives them the chance to achieve even more.
“Many things worked today, including the substitutions at the right moments. You cannot always plan everything, but somewhere you could see the game plan taking shape.”
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, with Yakin insisting his side will continue to believe after reaching a historic stage of the competition.
“It makes it even more special that we are standing here, qualified for the next round.”
