Argentina, the defending champions, have secured their spot in the World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a match that extended into extra time. The decisive goal came in the 112th minute from Julian Alvarez, with Lautaro Martinez adding another goal in the final seconds of extra time. This victory sets up a semifinal clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta.
The match, held in Kansas City, saw Alexis Mac Allister open the scoring for Argentina in the 10th minute, converting a corner kick delivered by Lionel Messi. Despite the early lead, the South American side faced a determined Swiss team that managed to equalize in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye.
A pivotal moment occurred in the second half when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute, leading to his dismissal. The incident involved a tackle by Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, and a VAR review determined that Embolo had simulated a foul. This decision left Switzerland playing with 10 men for a significant portion of the match.
The Swiss, who were playing in their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954, had not conceded many goals in the tournament, allowing only three in five previous games. They had also never reached a semifinal or beaten Argentina in eight previous encounters, including three in the World Cup.
Argentina, currently on a 12-match World Cup unbeaten streak, had faced challenges in earlier knockout rounds. They required extra time to overcome Cape Verde and rallied from a two-goal deficit in the final 11 minutes of regulation to defeat Egypt before their quarterfinal match against Switzerland.
Messi’s nine-game World Cup scoring streak concluded in this match, though his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues. He had come close to scoring, with one attempt saved and another chip shot that replays suggested might have stood despite an offside flag.
The match was played in front of a heavily pro-Argentina crowd at Arrowhead Stadium, the team’s second appearance there in the tournament. Argentina has been based in Kansas City for the past month, training at the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.
The Swiss had struggled to break down Argentina’s defence for much of the game, especially after losing Embolo. They were also without Johan Manzabi, one of their key goal-scorers, who was out with a knee injury after missing their Round of 16 penalty shootout win against Colombia.
Despite the Swiss equalizer, the momentum shifted after Embolo’s red card. Argentina intensified their attack, with Mac Allister missing a header in the 89th minute and Messi sending an opportunity wide in the second minute of stoppage time, pushing the game into extra time.
In extra time, Alvarez’s long-range strike from approximately 25 yards found the top right corner of the net in the 112th minute, giving Argentina the lead. As Switzerland pushed forward in the closing moments, Lautaro Martinez capitalized on a counterattack, scoring Argentina’s third goal after a shot from Thiago Almada deflected into his path.
This marks the first time that the top four teams in the FIFA rankings – Argentina, England, France, and Spain – have all advanced to the semifinals. England secured their spot by defeating Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. The other semifinal will feature Spain against France on Tuesday.
Argentina’s victory keeps their quest for back-to-back championships alive, a feat only achieved by Italy and Brazil previously. The team will now prepare to face England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Read Also
Source: sportsnet.ca
