Argentina beats Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semifinals
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Argentina and Switzerland had very different World Cup resumes in Saturday night’s quarter-final match in Kansas City.
The Argentine team, led by Lionel Messi, is fighting to win its second consecutive World Cup, while Switzerland found themselves in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia on penalties.
Argentina survived their scare against Egypt, leading to an interesting encounter between the attacking juggernaut and the Swiss team leaning on their defence.
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Lionel Messi and Argentina had to get past Switzerland to continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles. (Photo: MB Media/Getty Images)
It wasn’t long before Argentina’s attack began. Alexis Mac Allister put the reigning champions on the board in the 10th minute, just after Messi fired a corner in front of the net.
While Argentina maintained little possession of the ball, Switzerland kept up the same tempo and created a handful of chances. Argentina, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on several excellent opportunities.
Mac Allister’s score remained a single point on the board until half-time, which Switzerland would probably consider a win in many respects. Keeping the reigning champions under your belt is no small feat.
In the second half, Switzerland continued to put pressure on and even forced Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to make some important saves.
Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye celebrates scoring the equalizer against Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. (Photo: Kyle Rivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
That pressure paid off in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye equalized at 1-1, shocking the Swiss team’s Argentinian crowd.
The momentum had definitely swung in Switzerland’s favour, but Switzerland was then faced with a brutal decision from the authorities.
A yellow card was given to Leandro Paredes of Argentina, but after review the decision was reversed and the yellow card was given to Breel Embolo of Switzerland.
Critically, it was his second yellow card of the game, so he was sent off and Switzerland had to continue with just 10 players.
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But the Swiss managed to survive and this time it went to extra time, thanks to Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel making a stunning save from the Argentinian corner in the final moments of regulation.
In the first half of extra time, Argentinians Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez received yellow cards. Meanwhile, Switzerland managed to keep the match level despite being one man down.
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez celebrates his game-winning goal in extra time. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
However, in the 112th minute, Argentinian Julian Alvarez punched Argentina’s ticket to the semi-finals with a very beautiful game.
Unreal.
How much more fear can Argentine fans endure?
He scored another goal as Argentina began to extend their lead to 3-1 in extra time.
It is worth noting that Messi did not score in this match and ended his goal streak with nine matches, which dates back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Semi-final pairings have been announced punks.
Spain and France face each other in Arlington on Tuesday, while Argentina will continue their showdown with England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
