Argentina beat Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semi-finals

Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in extra time gave Argentina a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, sending the reigning world champions into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament. After the quarter-final ended 1-1 in regulation time, Lionel Messi‍‍`s side made the most of Switzerland being reduced to 10 men to book their place in the last four.

Played in Kansas City, Argentina made a bright start and looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle. Although Switzerland had slightly more possession, they struggled to break down Argentina‍‍`s well-organised defence. Instead, it was the Swiss who paid for an early mistake. In the 10th minute, Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner to give Argentina the lead. It proved to be the only goal of the first half.

Switzerland came out with greater intensity after the break and began to attack more aggressively. Dan Ndoye, one of their best players on the night, levelled the score in the 67th minute. After a brilliant one-two with Rodriguez, Ndoye drove into the penalty area from the byline and beat Emiliano Martinez with a precise right-footed finish to make it 1-1.

However, the Swiss suffered a major setback just five minutes later. The referee initially awarded a foul against Leandro Paredes following an incident involving Breel Embolo. After a VAR review, it was ruled that Embolo had simulated the foul. The referee overturned the decision and showed Embolo a second yellow card, reducing Switzerland to 10 men. The striker left the pitch in tears, unable to hide his disappointment with the decision.

Despite having a numerical advantage, Argentina could not find a winner in regulation time. However, they dominated possession and controlled the match after Embolo‍‍`s dismissal. Following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, they finally broke the deadlock in extra time thanks to a moment of brilliance from Julian Alvarez.

The decisive moment came in the 112th minute when Alvarez received a pass from Thomas Lopez, cut into the penalty area from the left and curled a superb right-footed shot into the far corner to put Argentina 2-1 ahead.

Switzerland pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their attacking approach left space at the back. Argentina took full advantage as Lautaro Martinez scored on the counter-attack to seal a 3-1 victory for the defending champions.

The win keeps Argentina‍‍`s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive as Lionel Messi‍‍`s side advances to the semi-finals, where they will face England.