Argentina have booked a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal against England after surviving another exhausting knockout battle, beating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City.
Julian Alvarez scored a stunning extra-time goal as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1
Lionel Messi and Co will now face England in a mouthwatering semifinal in Atlanta
Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina’s 3-1 victory with a goal in stoppage time of extra time
It was far from smooth for the defending champions. Lionel Scaloni’s side were tested for long spells by a brave and disciplined Switzerland team, who refused to allow Argentina any comfort and forced the match deep into extra time before finally breaking.
The reward is enormous. Argentina will now meet England in Atlanta in one of the most anticipated World Cup ties for years. For Lionel Messi, it also brings a remarkable first. Across a long international career stretching over two decades, six World Cups and more than 200 appearances for his country, the 39-year-old has still never faced England.
Messi did not score this time, but he was again involved when Argentina struck first. His corner was met by Alexis Mac Allister, whose glancing header flashed past Gregor Kobel and gave Argentina an early lead. It should have settled the favourites, but Switzerland grew into the contest and made life deeply uncomfortable.
Murat Yakin’s side pushed hard after the break and eventually found their reward. Dan Ndoye finished from a tight angle to make it 1-1, briefly silencing the blue-and-white majority inside Arrowhead Stadium and giving Switzerland real belief that another World Cup shock was possible.
Then came the flashpoint. Breel Embolo, already on a yellow card, went down after a challenge involving Leandro Paredes. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked the Argentina midfielder, but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned. Replays showed Embolo had dived, and the Swiss striker was shown a second yellow card.
Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off for diving during a dramatic second half
A few minutes earlier, Dan Ndoye had brought Switzerland level, leaving this tie on a knife edge
The decision sent Switzerland into fury. Their bench exploded, Embolo left the pitch in tears, and captain Granit Xhaka later admitted the red card was difficult to accept. Although the decision appeared correct by the letter of the law, it changed the entire shape of the match and left Switzerland clinging on for penalties.
Argentina piled on the pressure as extra time wore on. Switzerland defended with courage and desperation, but in the 112th minute Julian Alvarez finally found the breakthrough. The forward opened his body and curled a superb finish into the far top corner, giving Kobel no chance and sending the Argentine fans into chaos.
Lautaro Martinez then added a third in stoppage time of extra time, killing off Switzerland’s resistance and confirming Argentina’s place in the final four. For Switzerland, it was a cruel end to their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954. For Argentina, it was another escape built on patience, pressure and individual quality.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead with a header from Messi’s corner
Embolo was overcome with emotion after he was shown a red card by referee Joao Pinheiro
Now comes the fixture everyone will be talking about: Argentina against England. The rivalry carries decades of history, from Diego Maradona’s infamous handball in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and England’s revenge in 2002. This time, the story belongs to Messi, Bellingham, Kane and a semifinal with enormous emotional weight.
Neither Argentina nor England have been perfect at this tournament. Both have had to suffer, both have leaned heavily on star power, and both have found a way through chaotic knockout matches. That only adds to the tension. In Atlanta, one giant will move within touching distance of the trophy – and the other will be left with a painful new scar.
