Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time at Arrowhead Stadium. The victory set up a heavyweight last-four clash against England, who earlier defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead in the 10th minute. He headed home a corner kick delivered by captain Lionel Messi at the near post. The goal marked the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament.
Switzerland, however, refused to wilt. The Swiss team responded with an improved display in the second half. Forward Dan Ndoye drew Switzerland level in the 67th minute after combining with defender Ricardo Rodriguez down the left flank. Ndoye finished from a tight angle, slotting the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The match turned decisively in Argentina’s favour in the 72nd minute. Striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The referee initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. However, the VAR review showed minimal contact, and the official overturned his decision, showing Embolo a second yellow card instead.
Embolo collapsed in tears and received consolations from teammates as he left the pitch. Switzerland coach Murat Yakin expressed his frustration with the decision. “I know that FIFA will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it is incredibly painful,” he said.
Despite the setback, Yakin praised his team’s effort, adding, “This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I’m extremely proud of everyone.”
Switzerland defended resiliently for the remainder of regular time and forced the match into extra time. The Swiss team continued to hold firm in the first period of extra time.
Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute. Forward Julian Alvarez received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and curled a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.
Alvarez expressed his relief and determination after the match. “First of all, I’m very happy. We fought until the very end,” he said. “We knew that if we kept working together, the goal would definitely come. There are still two matches ahead, and we’ll give it our all.”
Argentina forward Thiago Almada also commented on the team’s fighting spirit, stating, “We’re used to suffering. We come from being champions, and now being among the top four is not easy at all. We want to chase glory and put Argentina at the very top.”
Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory in stoppage time. He scored from close range after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved an initial shot from Thiago Almada . Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of the contest.
“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” he said. “Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”
