Argentina Edge Switzerland in Extra Time to Set Up World Cup Semi-Final Against England

• Julian Alvarez scores sensational extra-time winner as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1.
• Controversial VAR review sends Switzerland’s Breel Embolo off after second yellow for simulation.
• Messi registers historic 10th World Cup assist as holders move within two wins of another title.

Defending champions Argentina survived a stern Swiss challenge and a fiercely contested quarter-final to defeat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time on Saturday, booking a blockbuster FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against England.

Julian Alvarez proved the difference for Lionel Scaloni’s side, curling home a magnificent strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez wrapped up victory with a late goal after Switzerland’s resistance finally crumbled.

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The South Americans made a dream start when Lionel Messi whipped in a trademark corner that Alexis Mac Allister glanced beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to give Argentina an early lead.

READ ALSO: Messi Named In Argentina’s Preliminary Squad For 2026 FIFA World Cup

The assist was another milestone for Messi, becoming his 10th at World Cup finals, with each of those assists leading to goals by different teammates across five editions of the tournament.

Switzerland gradually recovered from the early setback and deservedly restored parity midway through the second half through Dan Ndoye after sustained pressure on the Argentine defence.

However, the contest took a dramatic twist five minutes later in one of the tournament’s most controversial incidents.

Referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for what appeared to be a foul on Swiss striker Breel Embolo.

Following a VAR review, officials concluded there had been no contact between the players and ruled that Embolo had simulated the challenge.

The caution shown to Paredes was cancelled and transferred to Embolo, who had already been booked earlier in the match, resulting in his dismissal and leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Swiss continued to frustrate the world champions until Alvarez produced a moment of brilliance in extra time, bending a superb effort into the top corner from outside the penalty area.

Martinez added a third goal in the closing moments to seal Argentina’s progression and end Switzerland’s impressive run.

Although Messi failed to score for the first time in this World Cup, the Argentina captain remained influential, creating the opening goal and helping his side control possession after Switzerland were reduced to 10 men.

The victory sends Argentina into a highly anticipated semi-final against England, renewing one of international football’s fiercest rivalries for the first time in more than two decades.

However, Scaloni’s men will enter that contest aware of defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Switzerland, who repeatedly threatened before the controversial dismissal shifted momentum in Argentina’s favour.

England, who also advanced to the last four, will now face the reigning champions on Wednesday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.