Argentina survived to fight another World Cup day, needing extra time to edge out a tenacious Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City to set up a thrilling semi-final with England.
Mac Allister Breaks The Deadlock
Alexis Mac Allister put the defending champions up early on, with Argentina taking the lead in the opening ten minutes.
But Switzerland refused to relent as Dan Ndoye equalised midway through the second half, sliding the ball under goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to NBC sports
Embolo’s Red Card Turns The Tide
Switzerland were reduced to 10 men from the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation after a VAR review five minutes after their equaliser.
Switzerland, however, stayed tight and forced the match into extra time despite the numerical disadvantage.
Alvarez Decisive Moment
A curling goal into the top corner from Julian Alvarez, in the 112th minute, finally broke Swiss resistance, after Lionel Messi was held scoreless for the first time this tournament.
Lautaro Martinez added a late third on the counter to seal the victory.
The victory takes Argentina through to their second straight World Cup semifinal, keeping alive their goal to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to defend the championship.
Argentina will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 in a semifinal between two of the top four highest ranked FIFA teams in the tournament.
