Switzerland are into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, after a tense goalless draw with Colombia ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. They join five other European nations – Belgium, England, France, Norway and Spain – in the last eight, with Argentina and Morocco completing the line-up. That makes six European sides among the quarter-finalists, the most at a World Cup held outside Europe since 1994.
Historically, European teams have struggled away from home. Only twice since 1930 have they triumphed at tournaments outside the continent – Spain in South Africa in 2010 and Germany in Brazil four years later. Yet the early signs in North America were not promising: seven of the first ten European sides to play their opening group games failed to win. Belgium drew with Egypt, and coach Rudi Garcia shrugged off the conditions: "Whether it is 10 degrees or 30 degrees, we should have done better." Switzerland drew with Qatar, and manager Murat Yakin blamed his side's wastefulness, not the heat.
“Six of eight World Cup quarter-finalists are from Europe, the most since 1994, amid historical struggles outside the continent.”
But as the tournament progressed, European teams found their stride. By the end of the group stage, they had 17 wins, 12 draws and only seven losses against non-European opponents. In the knockout rounds, they showed resilience. England, for instance, faced a difficult trip to the Azteca to face Mexico, dealing with altitude and a hostile crowd to produce one of their most impressive battling displays. Former England striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport: "This has shown we have a team capable of winning the World Cup. The belief this will give to these players is huge."
France dealt with Paraguay's 'dark arts', while Belgium brushed aside co-hosts USA in front of an expectant home crowd. Belgium will now face European champions Spain for a place in the semi-finals. Former England defender Matt Upson said on BBC One: "It was encouraging signs from Belgium. They are going to need to be good against what is a brilliant Spanish midfield."
Europe's strong representation is partly down to the allocation of 16 places at the World Cup – more than any other confederation. But with six teams still standing, the continent has a real chance of adding a rare away victory to its trophy cabinet.