KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Defending champion Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time on Saturday night in Kansas City, with Julian Alvarez scoring the decisive goal in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez added another moments before the final whistle.
Alexis Mac Allister also scored for Argentina from a Lionel Messi corner kick as La Albiceleste secured a place in Wednesday’s semifinal against England in Atlanta. England earlier defeated Norway 2-1 to book its place in the final four.
Alvarez settles tense quarterfinal
Argentina and Switzerland remained deadlocked deep into extra time before Alvarez broke through with a long-range finish in the 112th minute, giving the defending champions the lead after a closely contested encounter.
Martinez then added Argentina’s third goal with only seconds remaining, extending the margin but not reflecting how competitive the match had been throughout regulation and extra time.
Messi did not score, bringing his nine-match World Cup scoring streak to an end. However, the Argentina captain contributed with the corner that led to Mac Allister’s goal and remains in contention to win a second World Cup title.
Controversial decision alters the match
A key turning point came during the second half after Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute.
Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card following a challenge on Breel Embolo. Video review, however, showed Embolo falling before contact was made, prompting officials to apply the World Cup’s “mistaken identity” protocol.
Because Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier in the match, the caution was transferred to him, resulting in his dismissal and leaving Switzerland to play with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
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According to The Associated Press, it was the second time during the tournament that the video assistant referee used the mistaken identity protocol to correct which player received a disciplinary card.
Semifinal showdown awaits
Argentina’s victory keeps its title defense alive and sets up a meeting with England in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final.
The reigning champions have repeatedly navigated tight knockout matches during their campaign, and another narrow victory now leaves them two wins away from retaining the trophy.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: FIFA World Cup | Argentina | Switzerland | Julian Alvarez | Lionel Messi | England | World Cup Semifinals
