Julian Alvarez produced a moment of magic in extra time as Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where a blockbuster showdown with England now awaits.
The Manchester City forward settled a fiercely contested and controversial quarter-final with a stunning 25-yard curling strike that left Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel rooted to the spot. The victory sets up Argentina’s first competitive meeting with England in 24 years, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
The match was overshadowed by a dramatic second-half incident that left Switzerland playing with 10 men. Star striker Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Initially, referee awarded a foul against Leandro Paredes and booked the Argentine midfielder. However, VAR intervened under the mistaken identity protocol, with replays showing Embolo had exaggerated the contact. Paredes’ yellow card was rescinded, while Embolo, already on a booking, was shown a second yellow and dismissed, sparking frustration among the Swiss players and supporters.
Argentina had made the perfect start to the contest when Alexis Mac Allister flicked Lionel Messi’s corner into the net at the near post after just 10 minutes, giving the defending champions an early advantage.
Despite falling behind, Switzerland responded impressively and were arguably the better side for much of the game. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye restored parity with a well-worked goal. Cutting in from the left, Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez before calmly sliding his effort through the legs of Emiliano Martinez.
However, the momentum shifted following Embolo’s dismissal. With the extra man, Argentina gradually took control and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time through Alvarez’s spectacular long-range strike.
Switzerland threw men forward in search of another equaliser, but they were punished on the counter-attack deep into extra time. Lautaro Martinez raced clear before calmly finishing to seal a 3-1 victory and keep Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup alive.
Lionel Messi and his teammates will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in the final, where either France or Spain will be waiting.
