Julian Alvarez produced a moment of quality in extra time as Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet England in one of football’s most historic rivalries.
The reigning world champions were made to work hard at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City before eventually breaking Switzerland’s resistance in a tense quarter-final.
Argentina made an ideal start when Alexis Mac Allister headed home in the 10th minute from Lionel Messi’s well-delivered corner.
The early goal rewarded the South Americans for their bright opening and delighted the large number of Argentina supporters inside the stadium.
Despite falling behind, Switzerland settled into the contest and gradually gained control of possession. Their best opportunity of the first half came when Breel Embolo was denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who reacted quickly to close down the striker.
Switzerland’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye calmly finished after being picked out by Ricardo Rodriguez, bringing the European side level and setting up a tense finish.
However, the match changed dramatically just five minutes later.
Embolo, who had already been booked, received a second yellow card after being judged to have simulated inside the penalty area following a VAR review, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Argentina pushed forward in search of a winner during normal time, but Switzerland defended with discipline to force extra time.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 112th minute when Alvarez curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the area, giving the Swiss goalkeeper no chance and finally ending his side’s determined resistance.
As Switzerland committed players forward in search of another equaliser, Lautaro Martinez added a third goal in the closing moments to secure Argentina’s place in the last four.
The victory extends Argentina’s unbeaten run at the World Cup to 12 matches as Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Messi also reached another landmark by registering his 10th World Cup assist across six tournaments. Although he did not score, the captain remains level with France’s Kylian Mbappe on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Argentina will now travel to Atlanta for a semi-final against England after Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday.
The meeting will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries. Encounters between the two nations have often carried significant historical and sporting importance, most memorably Argentina’s 2-1 victory at the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and one of the greatest individual goals in World Cup history.
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, another memorable chapter is now set to be written between two of the game’s biggest footballing nations.
