Granit Xhaka said a "special" generation of Switzerland players have proved that "anything is possible" after they reached their first World Cup quarter-final in 72 years.

Switzerland edged out Colombia in a tense penalty shoot-out on Tuesday, triumphing 4-3 on spot-kicks following a goalless draw across 120 minutes.

They will now face defending champions Argentina in their first World Cup quarter-final tie since 1954, when they lost 7-5 to Austria in the highest-scoring game in the tournament's history.

All three of Switzerland's previous World Cup quarter-final appearances came at 16-team tournaments (1934, 1938 and 1954), and they have never progressed to the last four.

With a first-ever semi-final spot now in Switzerland's sights, captain Xhaka believes they have already broken new ground.

"I think this generation we have now is a special one," he said. "Hopefully, we'll see another one like it one day, but we've been waiting a long time for a group like this. 

"We, the more experienced players, are being pushed by the younger ones, and at the same time, we have to lead by example every single day and in every single game. 

"We try to pass on our experience, and we have the mentality that, even as a small nation, anything is possible at this level, in elite football.

"From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we've achieved."

It was a cagey affair in Vancouver, with the teams combining for just 0.7 expected goals throughout the first 90 minutes (Colombia 0.4 xG, Switzerland 0.3) – the lowest tally at any game in regulation time at this World Cup.

Head coach Murat Yakin praised his players for carrying out the gameplan to perfection, despite Switzerland's final shot on target in the match (excluding the shoot-out) coming in the 32nd minute.

He added that a half-time substitution, which saw midfielder Djibril Sow replace Ardon Jashari, allowed Switzerland to remain in control of the tie.

"I don't think you want to hear my gameplan today, but it worked out exactly the way we wanted it to, and in the end, that's what matters," Yakin said. 

"It wasn't just about that, though. At the start, we needed experience. We needed the right mentality. Then, in the second half, we made substitutions that gave us even more control, especially in possession. 

"And as the game went on, we were also able to bring on the players we wanted for the penalty shoot-out. You always have a plan. 

"When it works out in the end, it's all the more satisfying. Of course, we also had a bit of luck today, and that's part of football."

Colombia, meanwhile, have been eliminated from all three of their World Cup knockout ties that have gone to extra time – the joint-most of any nation to have never progressed from a tie that went beyond normal time (alongside Mexico and Romania).

Nestor Lorenzo's team had been tipped as dark horses before the tournament began, and their exit left striker Luis Suarez with a sour taste. 

"I thought this team was destined for better things," he said. "I simply want to thank the whole country and the people who filled the stadium.

"Let's hope this is a major turning point, because what this team showed at this World Cup has to be viewed from the positive side."