Argentina and Switzerland quarter-final sees late drama and red card
The World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City saw significant late-game developments, including an equaliser from Switzerland and a subsequent red card for Swiss forward Breel Embolo. The game was tied 1-1 in the second half, with Argentina having initially taken the lead.
Argentina had been leading since the opening minutes of the match, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the opening goal. This goal came from a corner delivered by Lionel Messi. Despite the early lead, Argentina‘s offensive play did not consistently build on this advantage, with the compact Swiss defence effectively limiting chances for Messi and his teammates. The first half was described as largely uneventful beyond Argentina‘s early goal and some missed opportunities for Switzerland.
Switzerland, despite being behind for the first time in the tournament, showed resilience. They had several opportunities, particularly from set pieces, but were unable to convert them in the first half. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was forced into action on multiple occasions to preserve Argentina‘s lead, including a crucial play to thwart a dangerous attack from Switzerland involving Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo.
Swiss Equalise Before Red Card
The second half saw Switzerland increase their attacking intensity. After forcing Emiliano Martínez to make several key saves, Switzerland found their equaliser in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye scored a goal after a well-executed move on the right side of the field. Ndoye laid the ball off to Ricardo Rodriguez, continued his run, and then received the ball back to side-foot his shot past Martínez.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically just minutes after the equaliser. Breel Embolo, who had been involved in a physical contest with Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes throughout the match, received a second yellow card for simulation. Initially, Paredes was given a yellow card for bringing Embolo down, but a VAR review led to the decision being reversed. The replay showed Embolo had simulated contact, resulting in his second booking and a red card. This left Switzerland playing with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Embolo was visibly distraught following the decision, which was described as a clear act of simulation. Players are expected to be aware of their yellow card status in high-stakes matches, and the penalty for diving is consistently a yellow card. The incident was not considered to be in the same category as other controversial officiating calls that have occurred in the tournament.
Argentina’s Late Pressure
With Switzerland reduced to ten men, Argentina intensified their pressure in search of a winning goal. They maintained significant possession, pressing late against the shorthanded Swiss side. Lionel Messi had a notable opportunity in the 85th minute, going one-on-one with Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Messi attempted to dink the ball over Kobel, but the goalkeeper made the save. The offside flag was raised belatedly, though replays suggested Messi might have been onside.
In the 89th minute, Alexis Mac Allister headed over the bar following a cross from substitute Nico Gonzalez. Shortly after, Messi had another chance from the edge of the penalty area, cutting inside and shooting with his right foot, but the ball went just wide of the post. The match entered nine minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half, with Argentina continuing to push for a late winner against a compact Swiss defence.
Earlier in the day, England secured their semi-final spot by defeating Norway 2-1 in extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. That match also featured controversial moments, including an inadvertent assist from a spider cam wire for England‘s opener and a disallowed Norway goal after VAR spotted a push by Erling Haaland. Spain and France are set to play in the other semi-final on Tuesday in Dallas.
The quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland remained tied 1-1 as the match approached its conclusion in Kansas City.
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Source: abc.net.au
