Argentina reach World Cup semi-finals after extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to advance to the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face England. The defending champions came from behind after Switzerland equalized but then had a man sent off.
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland on Sunday. The match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City saw the defending champions take an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home from a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute.
Switzerland fought back and equalized in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye finished off a pass from Ricardo Rodriguez. However, five minutes later, the Swiss were reduced to 10 men after Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review.
Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina could not find a winner in regular time, with Mac Allister heading wide and Messi curling a shot just wide. The match went to extra time, where Switzerland defended resolutely until the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 2-1. Lautaro Martínez added a third goal late in extra time to seal the win.
Argentina, now unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup matches, are seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the title. They will face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Atlanta. England earlier beat Norway 2-1 to reach the last four. The rivalry between Argentina and England is steeped in history, including the 1986 "Hand of God" goal and the Falklands War backdrop.
