Argentina defeat Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semifinals
Baku, July 12, AZERTAC
Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals on Saturday with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, surviving another tense knockout clash to set up a meeting with England.
The defending champions took an early lead at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, United States, when Alexis Mac Allister headed home Lionel Messi’s corner in the 10th minute. It was Messi’s 10th career World Cup assist, each to a different teammate.
Argentina struggled to build on its advantage, however, and Switzerland gradually grew into the match. Dan Ndoye eventually brought the Swiss level, finishing from close range to send the quarterfinal into a more uncertain phase.
The match turned again when Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review determined that he had gone down too easily. It was his second yellow card of the match, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.
Argentina pushed for a winner but could not find a breakthrough before the end of regulation. The decisive moment finally came in the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez curled a right-footed shot into the far top corner to restore Argentina’s lead.
Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory in the 121st minute, finishing off a late attacking move as Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equalizer.
Messi did not score, ending his run of goals in nine consecutive World Cup matches, but Argentina remained on course for another title after overcoming another difficult test. La Albiceleste had already required extra time to beat Cape Verde and staged a late comeback to defeat Egypt in the previous rounds.
Argentina will face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta.
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