Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland after an intense quarter-final clash. The South American giants were held to a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time before Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time to seal a memorable win and set up a blockbuster semi-final against England.
Argentina made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 10th minute. Lionel Messi’s pinpoint corner found Alexis Mac Allister, who rose above the Swiss defense and powered a header into the back of the net to give La Albiceleste an early advantage.
Switzerland responded with determination and gradually grew into the contest. Just before halftime, Breel Embolo was shown a yellow card for a foul on Leandro Paredes. The Swiss forward’s night ended in disappointment after he received a second yellow card in the second half for simulation inside the penalty area, reducing Switzerland to ten men.
Despite being a player down, Switzerland found an equalizer in the 67th minute. Ricardo Rodríguez delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box, allowing Dan Ndoye to beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner.
Both sides created chances in the closing stages of normal time, but neither could find the breakthrough, sending the match into extra time.
Argentina finally regained control in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez produced a clinical finish to restore his team’s lead. Moments later, Lautaro Martínez added a third goal, putting the result beyond doubt and securing Argentina’s place in the last four.
Lionel Messi, although not on the scoresheet, played a pivotal role by providing the assist for the opening goal and orchestrating several dangerous attacks throughout the match. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also made key saves to keep Argentina in contention before the decisive late surge.
With the victory, Argentina remain on course to defend their World Cup crown and will now face England in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated semi-final encounters.
