Julian Alvarez produced a moment of brilliance as Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals against England.
The defending champions were pushed all the way at Arrowhead Stadium before Alvarez’s superb strike in the 112th minute broke Switzerland’s resistance. Lautaro Martinez added a late third to seal the victory.
The result extended Argentina’s unbeaten run at the World Cup to 12 matches as Lionel Scaloni’s side continued their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.
Argentina made to work hard
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi’s corner was headed home by Alexis Mac Allister, giving the captain his 10th World Cup assist across six tournaments.
Switzerland gradually settled into the match and deservedly equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished after being picked out by Ricardo Rodriguez.
The match swung in Argentina’s favour five minutes later when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card following a VAR review for simulation, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina were unable to find a winner in normal time as Mac Allister missed a clear chance and Messi curled an effort narrowly wide.
Alvarez settles tense contest
Switzerland defended resolutely throughout extra time before Alvarez produced the decisive moment, curling a superb shot into the top corner in the 112th minute.
Martinez added another goal late on to complete a 3-1 victory and secure Argentina’s place in the last four.
The semi-final line-up now features the top four teams in the FIFA rankings, with Argentina set to face England after Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Norway 2-1 following extra time.
England clash awaits
Argentina advanced through the group stage before overcoming Cape Verde and Egypt in the knockout rounds, but once again needed resilience to progress against Switzerland.
The victory sets up another World Cup meeting between Argentina and England, two nations with a long-standing football rivalry.
The sides have met twice at the World Cup since their memorable 1986 encounter, with Argentina prevailing on penalties in 1998 before England earned victory four years later.
England will now attempt to end Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup run when the teams meet in Wednesday’s semi-final.
