Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in four tournaments after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland
Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in four tournaments after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, setting up a mouth-watering clash with England.
Lionel Scaloni’s side made the early running, and Lionel Messi was at the heart of the opener, winning a corner with clever footwork before delivering the delivery that Alexis Mac Allister headed home unmarked in the 10th minute.
Despite dominating spells of possession, Switzerland struggled to break down Argentina’s back line for long periods, though they created chances of their own, with Breel Embolo denied by a combination of Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in the first half.
The game turned midway through the second half. Dan Ndoye levelled for the Swiss in the 67th minute with a well-worked counter-attack, momentarily shifting the balance.
But moments later, Embolo was sent off for a second bookable offence after a video review overturned a mistaken yellow card initially shown to Leandro Paredes, leaving Switzerland to defend the remainder of the match a man light.
Even with the extra man, Argentina could not find a way through in normal time, with Messi and Mac Allister both spurning late chances as the match went to extra time.
Switzerland, playing in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, looked to hold out for penalties, but Julián Álvarez had other ideas.
The Atletico Madrid forward struck a brilliant effort from 25 yards into the top corner in the 112th minute to restore Argentina’s lead.
Lautaro Martínez added a third in stoppage time at the end of extra time, converting a rebound after Thiago Almada’s initial effort was saved, to seal the win.
The result extends Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup run to 12 matches and ends Switzerland’s best campaign since 1954.
Messi’s individual scoring streak came to an end, but he still leads the tournament’s scoring charts alongside France’s Kylian Mbappé with eight goals.
Argentina will now face England in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, the nations’ first competitive meeting in 24 years.
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