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Julian Alvarez’s stunning extra-time strike inspired Argentina to a 3-1 win over 10-man Switzerland, booking a World Cup 2026 semi-final clash with England after a tense battle.
Julian Alvarez emerged as the saviour with a wondergoal in the 112th minute for Argentina (AP)
Julian Alvarez produced the moment Argentina had been waiting for as the defending champions beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
For long spells, Lionel Scaloni’s side looked frustrated by a disciplined Swiss outfit that refused to buckle, even after being reduced to 10 men.
But Alvarez’s spectacular strike and a late finish from Lautaro Martinez finally settled an engrossing quarter-final and set up a blockbuster last-four meeting with England.
How It All Unfolded
Argentina made the perfect start inside 10 minutes. Lionel Messi whipped in a trademark corner and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to power a header beyond Gregor Kobel, handing the South Americans an early lead.
Rather than fold, Switzerland responded impressively.
Murat Yakin’s side gradually wrestled control of possession and repeatedly asked questions of Argentina’s defence. Emiliano Martinez was called into action several times, including a crucial intervention when he raced off his line to deny Breel Embolo.
The pressure finally paid off in the 67th minute as Dan Ndoye timed his run perfectly to meet Ricardo Rodriguez’s through ball before calmly slotting beyond Martinez to level the contest.
Embolo Sees Red As Switzerland Dig Deep
The match took another dramatic twist five minutes later.
Already on a booking, Embolo was shown a second yellow card after VAR ruled he had simulated contact with Leandro Paredes inside the penalty area, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina could not immediately make it count. Messi curled an effort narrowly wide, Mac Allister headed over from close range, and Lisandro Martinez’s acrobatic overhead kick was bravely blocked as nine minutes of stoppage time failed to separate the sides.
Extra time brought wave after wave of Argentine pressure, but Switzerland continued to defend with remarkable discipline. Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada both went close, while Messi won a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area that ultimately came to nothing.
Alvarez Delivers When It Matters
With penalties looming, Alvarez finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute.
Collecting the ball just outside the box, the Manchester City forward shifted his feet before unleashing a magnificent strike into the top corner, giving Kobel no chance and sending Argentina’s supporters into raptures.
Switzerland pushed everyone forward in search of another equaliser, but that gamble left them exposed. Deep into stoppage time, Almada led a swift counterattack and saw his effort saved by Kobel, only for Lautaro Martinez to react quickest and tap home the rebound to complete a 3-1 victory.
Argentina now move into the semi-finals, where they will face England after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 following extra time.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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