Kansas city: Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 early Sunday morning, setting up a clash with England next Wednesday. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored two late goals in extra time to seal a thrilling victory for Argentina against ten-man Switzerland.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, led by Lionel Messi, Argentina kept alive their hopes of becoming the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, with a win that sparked wild celebrations among the team's fans and ended Switzerland's impressive run in the tournament. Switzerland reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, but failed to take the final step towards a first-ever semifinal appearance. They suffered a blow when Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute.
The thrilling match seemed destined for penalties before Alvarez unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that nestled into the top corner in the 112th minute. Swiss goalkeeper Gregor K¶ppel did his best but couldn't make the save. Martinez added a third for the defending champions nine minutes later, pouncing on a rebound after a shot from Thiago Almada.
Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina an early lead in the 10th minute, meeting Messi's corner at the near post with a perfectly placed header that beat K¶ppel and nestled into the far corner. This was the first time Switzerland had trailed in a match during the tournament. Switzerland, missing their top scorer Johan Manzambi due to injury after he netted a hat-trick and provided two assists, refused to give up.
After a largely quiet first half, the game came alive after the break, with Switzerland testing Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez repeatedly. He was in fine form, making several crucial saves much to the delight of the South American fans. A draw seemed inevitable as Switzerland increased the pressure, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan N'Doye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez on the left before unleashing a right-footed shot that went between Martinez's legs and into the net. N'Doye screamed at the nearest television camera as the Swiss fans erupted in jubilation.
Switzerland were then reduced to ten men when Embolo received his second yellow card for simulation. This came after a lengthy VAR review, in which the referee overturned his initial decision to caution Argentina's Leandro Paredes. Argentina pressed Switzerland relentlessly, pinning them back in their own half for long periods. Fueled by a raucous crowd that made the stadium feel more like Buenos Aires than Kansas City, the defending champions surged forward in search of a winner.
Lionel Messi, 39, making his sixth World Cup appearance, almost sealed the victory in stoppage time with a powerful shot from outside the box, but the ball flashed just wide of the post. Switzerland withstood Argentina's onslaught and looked destined for a penalty shootout, but their resistance crumbled in the dying minutes of extra time.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, "We suffered. We knew they were a physically strong team, and that caused us a lot of trouble. Today we were lucky to have one of their players sent off. We could have performed better, but reaching the semi-finals is a great achievement."