Álvarez stunner sends Argentina past 10-man Switzerland
Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals after scoring twice late in extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3–1 at Kansas City Stadium.
The defending champions made the perfect start in the 10th minute. Lionel Messi delivered a corner towards the front post, where Alexis Mac Allister flicked a clever header beyond Gregor Kobel and into the far corner.
Switzerland, playing without injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi, struggled for rhythm before half-time but grew into the contest after the restart.
Their pressure was rewarded in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodríguez down the left before sliding a low right-footed finish through Emiliano Martínez’s legs.
The match turned again five minutes later when Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a lengthy VAR review. Switzerland were furious, with the decision originally appearing to involve Leandro Paredes before the referee changed his call.
Argentina pinned the Swiss back during the closing stages, and Messi almost settled the tie in stoppage time with a fierce strike that flashed narrowly wide.
Switzerland appeared to be forcing penalties until the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez curled a stunning long-range effort into the top corner.
Lautaro Martínez sealed victory in the 121st minute, calmly converting the rebound after Thiago Almada’s shot was saved.
Argentina progressed to face England in the semi-finals, while Switzerland’s first World Cup quarter-final campaign since 1954 ended in heartbreak.
Scorers:
Argentina: Mac Allister 10’; Álvarez 112’; Lautaro Martínez 121’
Switzerland: Ndoye 67’
Player of the Match: Julián Álvarez