Argentina defeats Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to advance to World Cup semi-final
Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time during their World Cup 2026 quarter-final match in Kansas City, setting up a semi-final clash with England. The match saw goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez for Argentina, while Dan Ndoye scored for Switzerland.
The game began with Switzerland showing a positive start, but Argentina took the lead within the first 10 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on being unmarked at a corner, heading in a delivery from Lionel Messi to put his team ahead. Switzerland had an opportunity to equalize when Breel Embolo had a promising chance, but a combined effort from Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez prevented him from getting a shot away. Embolo had another significant chance shortly after the restart, but Lisandro Martinez made a crucial block.
Swiss Equalise Before Red Card Incident
Switzerland maintained pressure, with Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka forcing saves from the Argentina goalkeeper. This sustained effort paid off when Ndoye linked up with Ricardo Rodriguez and scored from a tight angle, leveling the game. However, Switzerland’s celebration was short-lived. Just five minutes after the equalizer, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Embolo. Under new mistaken identity rules, a VAR review led referee Joao Pinheiro to show Embolo a second yellow card for simulation, resulting in his dismissal from the match.
With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina pressed for a winner before the final whistle. Both Messi and Mac Allister had chances, but they were unable to convert, pushing the match into extra time. Despite being a man down, Switzerland managed to hold the reigning world champions at bay for the initial 15 minutes of extra time.
Extra Time Deciders
The deadlock was finally broken in extra time by Julian Alvarez, who scored a stunning goal from 25 yards, finding the top right corner of the net. This goal restored Argentina’s lead and shifted the momentum. In the dying moments of the game, Lautaro Martinez added another goal after Thiago Almada’s initial shot was kept out, sealing the 3-1 victory for Argentina.
The match was played at Arrowhead Stadium, and the result means Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations in 24 years. The semi-final fixture is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Wednesday at 8pm UK time, with the winner advancing to the final against either France or Spain.
The quarter-final encounter was a challenging one for Argentina, as it marked the second time in three games they have been taken to extra time. Had Enzo Fernandez not scored a 93rd-minute winner against Egypt in the last-16, it could have been three consecutive games going beyond regular time. Switzerland, in their quest to reach a first-ever World Cup semi-final, made it difficult for Lionel Scaloni’s side throughout the match.
The dismissal of Breel Embolo was a significant turning point in the game, and he was reportedly inconsolable following the decision. After the red card, Switzerland appeared content to try and force a penalty shootout, but Argentina’s late surge in extra time prevented that outcome. The upcoming semi-final against England is anticipated to be a closely contested match, especially given that England also played an extra 30 minutes against Norway in their own quarter-final, potentially leveling the playing field for the Wednesday night clash in Atlanta.
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Source: skysports.com
