Luis Suarez Reacts to ‘Sad Day' for Colombia After World Cup Loss

Colombia suffered a disappointing Round of 16 loss to Switzerland, which occurred in a penalty shootout after neither team could score in the regular, stoppage, or extra time.

And unfortunately, the penalty shootout was lost 4-3, on critical misses from Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez, leaving it up to goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to try to save the day. Unfortunately, he was unable to block Switzerland’s winning kick from Ruben Vargas.

After the loss, Colombia’s Luis Suarez, also a teammate of Lionel Messi’s for the MLS’s Inter Miami, reflected on the disappointment and sent a strong message about his team amid their failure to advance at the World Cup.

“Yes, it is truly a sad day; I believe this team, this squad, and this country were capable of achieving greater things. Fortunately, God, football, and life have brought us this far. I simply want to thank the entire country,” Suarez said in comments translated from a Telemundo Deportes video.

More news:Carli Lloyd Calls out Christian Pulisic Comments After USMNT World Cup Loss

Suarez finished with 12 touches and two shots, but neither was on goal. His teammate, Luis Diaz, had 50 touches for three shots with one shot on goal, but in a game with only five shots on goal between the two sides, the goalkeepers had to put in their strongest efforts in the later shootout.

Colombia’s goalkeeper had a chance to keep his team alive in the penalty shootout, but was unable to make the critical save.

As Colombia’s Camilo Vargas jumped one way, Switzerland’s Ruben Vargas watched his game-winner zip into the opposite side of the net, sending him, his teammates, and their fans in the stadium into a frenzy.

It was certainly a disappointing performance from Colombia, who some believed had the potential to go further into this year’s tournament as a long shot. They emerged as Group K winners after wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, and a 0-0 draw against Portugal.

In the Round of 32, they bested Ghana, 1-0, courtesy of Jhon Arias’ early goal at the 14-minute mark. However, they ran into a Swiss team ready to compete, and it came down to the risky penalty shootout, where the nerves and pressure of a high-stakes situation can lead to critical mistakes.

More news:Lionel Messi Sends Clear Message on Argentina After Comeback Win Over Egypt

For more about the World Cup, head over to Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 12:04 PM.