ARGENTINA booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a dramatic extra-time victory over Switzerland in sweltering conditions in Kansas City.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Julian Alvarez settled a fiercely contested and controversial encounter with a moment of brilliance, curling an unstoppable effort from 25 yards beyond Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to set up a semi-final showdown with Thomas Tuchel’s England, a match that will be broadcast live on the BBC.
The defeat was heartbreaking for Switzerland, who had defended resolutely after being reduced to 10 men during the second half following a contentious decision involving star striker Breel Embolo.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after intervention from the video assistant referee. The Swiss forward initially appeared to have been fouled near the halfway line by Leandro Paredes, who was booked by the referee.
However, VAR called for a review under the mistaken-identity rule, and replays showed that Embolo had clearly gone to ground without contact. The booking issued to Paredes was subsequently rescinded, while Embolo, who had already been cautioned earlier in the game, was sent off to the distress of the player and the fury of the Swiss camp.
The dismissal came just five minutes after Switzerland had deservedly drawn level, having been the better side for much of the contest against the reigning world champions.
Argentina appeared destined for a comfortable passage into the last four when Alexis Mac Allister flicked Lionel Messi’s corner into the net at the near post after only 10 minutes.
Rather than capitalise on their early advantage, however, Lionel Scaloni’s men allowed Switzerland back into the game, and the Europeans gradually grew in confidence.
Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye cut inside from the left flank, exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez and coolly slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina seized control after Embolo’s dismissal and, after struggling for long periods, eventually found salvation through Alvarez’s moment of inspiration in extra time.
Switzerland pushed desperately for another equaliser but were caught on the counterattack as Lautaro Martinez calmly slotted home to preserve Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup.
For the third consecutive match, Argentina secured a chaotic victory despite delivering an underwhelming performance, having entered the game as overwhelming favourites.
Following Mac Allister’s early opener, Argentina failed to register another shot on target for almost 90 minutes until Lisandro Martinez’s acrobatic effort deep into second-half stoppage time forced a low save from Kobel.
Indeed, it was Emiliano Martinez who proved to be the busier goalkeeper throughout the match. The Aston Villa shot-stopper produced an excellent save from close range to deny Ndoye, while Embolo had already been flagged offside in the build-up to the opportunity, although replays suggested that decision may have been overturned had Switzerland scored.
Martinez also denied headers from both Embolo and Ndoye, while keeping out a powerful long-range effort from captain Granit Xhaka.
Despite their struggles, Argentina’s attacking depth eventually proved decisive, even though Messi failed to score for the first time at this World Cup.
Argentina have now scored in 15 consecutive World Cup matches and have found the net at least twice in each of their last 11 games at the tournament. By scoring more than once against Switzerland, they established a new World Cup record for the longest sequence of matches with multiple goals, surpassing Uruguay’s run between 1930 and 1954.
Messi nevertheless added another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the first player in history to register 10 assists in World Cup matches.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will reflect on what might have been after dominating large portions of the contest before the turning point provided by Embolo’s red card.
While there is little doubt that Embolo went to ground without contact from Paredes, the Swiss may argue that the striker anticipated another heavy challenge in a game in which Argentina escaped punishment for several robust tackles.
The match featured a total of 32 fouls, 14 of them committed by Argentina, yet the South Americans did not receive a yellow card until extra time.
The result means Switzerland’s quarter-final curse continues. They have now played six quarter-final matches in major tournaments and have lost every one of them.
The Swiss will also rue the absence of influential midfielder Johan Manzambi, who impressed earlier in the tournament before missing their final two matches because of a knee injury.