Argentina Beat Switzerland 3-1 to Reach World Cup Semifinals

Sports Desk, 13 July : Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland after overcoming a second-half equalizer in Kansas City.

Backed by thousands of passionate Argentine fans, Lionel Scaloni’s side never lost belief, even after Switzerland leveled the match. Their faith was rewarded as Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time to seal a hard-fought win.

Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messi’s perfectly delivered corner after Manuel Akanji failed to clear the ball. Gregor Kobel had no chance as Mac Allister guided the ball into the net.

Switzerland responded strongly after the break and created several opportunities. Ndoye eventually restored parity in the 67th minute, finishing a well-worked move with a precise low strike beyond Emiliano Martínez.

The Swiss were reduced to 10 men just five minutes later after Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation. Referee François Letexier initially booked Leandro Paredes for a foul, but after a VAR review confirmed there had been no contact, the caution was overturned and Embolo was dismissed instead.

Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina failed to find a winner in regulation time. Messi came close with a curling effort late in the match, while Mac Allister and Lisandro Martínez also squandered chances, sending the contest into extra time.

Argentina finally broke through in the 112th minute. Substitute José Manuel López set up Julián Álvarez, who cut inside from the left edge of the penalty area before unleashing a stunning curling strike from long range into the far corner to make it 2-1.

With Switzerland pushing forward in stoppage time, Argentina launched a swift counterattack. Thiago Almada’s shot was saved by Kobel, but the rebound fell kindly to Lautaro Martínez, who tapped into an empty net to secure the 3-1 victory.

Argentina will now face England in the World Cup semifinal on July 16 at Atlanta Stadium.