A. Vargas
Manisa F.K. · CONCACAF Gold Cup · Attacker · #7 · Honduras · 22 yrs
A. Vargas news
Going first in a penalty shootout gives teams an advantage … or does it?
Thirteen of the past 15 shootouts at World Cups have been won by the team that went secondBy Opta AnalystAfter watching 120 minutes of football, you might not find observing a coin toss the most exciting dessert. Fans in the stadium care, though. Win a coin toss for a penalty shootout and you choose the end where they are taken – to much rejoicing from those behind the chosen goal. Another coin toss also allows the winner to choose whether to go first or second. But does that decision actually matter?For years, the consensus was that going first in a shootout gives teams an advantage. Being able to take the lead and put scoreboard pressure on opponents surely has a mental benefit, and means they are more likely to face the dreaded “must-score” penalty. However, when Rubén Vargas tucked away the winning spot kick for Switzerland against Colombia in their last-16 tie, it continued a rather curious trend. Continue reading...
World Cup 2026: Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set up Argentina quarter-final
Ruben Vargas converted the final penalty to send Switzerland to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954 after a goalless stalemate against Colombia in Vancouver on Tuesday. The Swiss go on to face title holders Argentina, who survived an almighty scare against Egypt earlier in the day.
World Cup 2026: Manzambi's brace powers Switzerland past Bosnia
Switzerland put on a devastating display at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, overwhelming Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 after a stunning second-half turnaround. With Bosnia down to ten men following an 80th-minute red card, substitutes Jovan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas ran riot. Ermin Mahmic's late strike provided only consolation for the Bosnians.