Argentina has advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup following a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. The reigning champions took an early lead just 10 minutes into the match when Alexis Mac Allister connected with a Lionel Messi corner, glancing a header into the far corner of the net.
While Argentina maintained significant possession, Switzerland gradually found their rhythm and equalized in the 67th minute. Ricardo Rodriguez delivered a precise pass to Dan Ndoye, who swept the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The momentum shifted significantly five minutes later when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was issued a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, leaving his team to play with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a winner in regulation time. Mac Allister missed a close-range header and a curling effort from Messi went just wide, forcing the match into extra time as the Swiss defense remained resilient.
The breakthrough finally occurred in the 112th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Julián Alvarez, who curled a strike into the top corner to restore the lead. Lautaro Martinez added a third goal late in the match to confirm the result. This win keeps Argentina on track to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Argentina is now set to face England in the semi-finals, following England's 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway earlier on Saturday. This upcoming match renews a historic rivalry that has included famous encounters such as Argentina's 1986 victory and subsequent clashes in 1998 and 2002. Argentina now sits just one win away from their second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
