Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland to reach semi-finals
Perhaps nothing comes easy for this Argentina side. After being pushed to extra time by Cape Verde, the reigning world champions were once again taken the distance by Switzerland. But Julián Álvarez finally broke the resilient resistance of the 10-man Swiss before Lautaro Martínez sealed a 2-1 victory, sending Argentina into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
The match at Kansas City ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Álvarez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute of extra time, while Martínez added another in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time in the day's other quarter-final.
Argentina took the lead as early as the 10th minute. Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner from the left, and Alexis Mac Allister rose at the near post to head the ball into the far corner, leaving Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.
Although Mac Allister got the goal, Messi once again etched his name into the history books. It was his 10th World Cup assist. The 39-year-old Argentine captain, who has already scored eight goals in the tournament, registered his second assist of the competition.
The early breakthrough did little to settle Argentina. Switzerland dominated possession during the opening 20 minutes. Emiliano Martínez denied Djibril Sow's powerful long-range effort before rushing off his line to thwart another dangerous opportunity from Breel Embolo.
Argentina also lost much of their attacking momentum after taking the lead. Following Mac Allister's goal, Lionel Scaloni's side failed to register another shot for the remainder of the first half. Although Switzerland controlled possession, they were unable to create a clear-cut chance to equalize before the break.
The Swiss came out stronger in the second half. Martínez first denied Dan Ndoye's header before saving a long-range strike from Granit Xhaka. However, he could do little in the 67th minute.
After exchanging passes with Ricardo Rodríguez, Ndoye burst into Argentina's penalty area from the left before curling a right-footed effort into the far corner, beating Martínez to level the score at 1-1. The Nottingham Forest forward brought Switzerland right back into the contest.
The momentum appeared to be shifting in Switzerland's favor until the game's most controversial moment unfolded just five minutes later.
Referee João Pinheiro initially booked Leandro Paredes for what appeared to be a foul on Embolo. However, following a VAR review, the referee overturned his decision, rescinded Paredes' yellow card, and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation.
Embolo had already been booked in the 44th minute of the first half for a late challenge on Paredes. The second yellow card resulted in his dismissal in the 72nd minute. The Swiss striker left the field in tears.
Despite having a numerical advantage, Argentina failed to capitalize during regulation time. Switzerland formed a compact five-man defensive line and successfully frustrated the defending champions. Messi came close with a curling effort late in the match, while Kobel produced another fine save in stoppage time to deny Lisandro Martínez and force extra time.
Argentina dominated from the start of extra time against the 10-man Swiss. Substitute Thiago Almada tested Kobel twice, Messi's free-kick was blocked by the defensive wall, and Cristian Romero headed narrowly wide. Yet Switzerland's defense remained intact through the first period of extra time.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute.
Just two minutes after coming on, José Manuel López provided a pass to Álvarez on the left edge of the penalty area. The striker took a few touches to create space before curling a superb right-footed shot beyond Kobel into the top far corner.
It was Álvarez's first goal of the tournament, arriving at a crucial moment when Argentina looked destined for another nerve-racking penalty shootout in their quest to defend the World Cup title.
Switzerland failed to find an equalizer during the remaining minutes and instead conceded again in stoppage time of extra time.
Lautaro Martínez finished off a swift counterattack to score Argentina's second goal and secure the victory.
Switzerland exited the tournament with heads held high after frustrating the reigning champions for much of the match despite playing with 10 men.
Argentina, meanwhile, survived a third consecutive demanding knockout test to keep their title defense alive.
Next comes England.
The two historic World Cup rivals will meet in the semi-finals in Atlanta for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.