Argentina defeats 10-man Switzerland in World Cup quarter-final
Argentina secured a dramatic victory over Switzerland in a World Cup quarter-final match held in Kansas City, advancing to face England in the semi-finals. The reigning champions won 3-1 after extra time, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late goals to seal the win.
The match saw Switzerland reduced to 10 men in the second half, a decision that proved controversial. Breel Embolo, Switzerland’s star striker, received a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review. Initially, Leandro Paredes had been booked for a challenge on Embolo, but the referee’s decision was reversed, and Embolo was sent off.
Match Progression and Key Moments
Argentina took an early lead when Alexis Mac Allister flicked home Lionel Messi’s corner just 10 minutes into the game. However, Switzerland, despite being the defending champions’ opponents, grew into the match and equalised in the 67th minute. Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye scored after a one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, tucking his finish through Emiliano Martinez’s legs.
The game remained level at 1-1 at the end of regular time, forcing it into extra time. Switzerland had defended valiantly after Embolo’s dismissal, but Argentina eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage. Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock in the second half of extra time, curling a 25-yard effort past Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the 112th minute.
Lautaro Martinez then secured Argentina’s passage to the semi-finals, slotting home a goal in stoppage time of extra time, making the final score 3-1. This victory keeps Argentina’s bid for back-to-back World Cups alive.
Controversy and Aftermath
The sending off of Breel Embolo was a significant turning point in the match. The incident occurred when Embolo appeared to be fouled by Leandro Paredes near the halfway line. However, a VAR review showed that Embolo had simulated contact, leading to his second yellow card and subsequent red card. The booking for Paredes was rescinded.
Swiss players expressed heartbreak following the match, consoling each other after what was described as a valiant effort against the reigning champions. Granit Xhaka and Emiliano Martinez, former teammates at Arsenal, were seen in conversation on the pitch after the final whistle.
Lionel Messi, at 39, played the full 120 minutes against the Swiss side. Despite his age, he outlasted and outplayed players a decade younger. Lisandro Martinez, despite form and fitness challenges for Manchester United, played every minute of the games he featured in during this World Cup, only missing a group stage match against Jordan when he was rested.
This result sets up a semi-final clash between Argentina and old rivals England, who defeated Norway in their own extra-time encounter. This marks the first time since FIFA’s rankings were introduced in 1992 that the four top-ranked teams have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The match concluded with Argentina celebrating their progression to the last four, with players jumping and swirling their shirts. The song “El que no salta es un ingles” was heard ringing around Arrowhead Stadium, a classic Argentine chant that now carries added significance ahead of the semi-final against England.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
