Argentina vs Switzerland ended 3-1 after Julián Alvarez struck in extra time, sending the champions into a semifinal against England.
The Argentina vs Switzerland quarterfinal forced the defending champions through another exhausting battle before they secured a 3-1 extra-time victory at Kansas City Stadium.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead during the first half after Lionel Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area. Mac Allister met the ball cleanly and guided it beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Switzerland stayed organised and refused to let Argentina take full control. Their disciplined shape frustrated Messi and the Argentine attack, while the Swiss midfield fought aggressively for possession.
Argentina vs Switzerland Turns After Equaliser
Switzerland earned their reward in the 67th minute. Ricardo Rodríguez found Dan Ndoye with a precise pass, and the forward produced a composed finish past Emiliano Martínez to make it 1-1.
However, the Swiss momentum suffered a major blow only minutes later after a controversial dismissal.
Breel Embolo, already carrying a booking, received a second yellow card following a video review. Officials initially cautioned Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. However, they reversed that decision after replays suggested Embolo had started falling before contact occurred.
The ruling reduced Switzerland to ten men and triggered furious protests from their players and coaching staff.
Argentina then increased the pressure but failed to score before normal time ended. Mac Allister headed wide late on, while Messi sent another opportunity narrowly off target during stoppage time.
Alvarez Breaks Brave Swiss Resistance
Switzerland defended courageously in extra time, but Argentina finally broke through in the 112th minute.
Julián Alvarez collected the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful long-range strike into the upper corner. Kobel had little chance of stopping it.
Lautaro Martínez added Argentina’s third goal later in extra time, ending Switzerland’s hopes of producing another World Cup upset.
Messi failed to score for the first time in ten World Cup matches. However, his first-half assist ensured he still played an important role in Argentina’s victory.
Switzerland leave the tournament with considerable pride after reaching the quarterfinals and pushing the defending champions deep into extra time. Still, Embolo’s dismissal will remain one of the match’s biggest talking points.
Argentina will now face England in a blockbuster semifinal in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni’s team remains in contention to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
