Argentina secures semi-final berth
Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, who played with 10 men for a significant portion of the match. The decisive goal came from Julián Álvarez in extra time, setting up a semi-final clash against England in Atlanta.
The match, held in Kansas City, saw Alexis Mac Allister give Argentina an early lead. However, Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye, pushing the game into extra time before Argentina ultimately secured their win.
Early lead and Swiss response
Argentina took the lead within 10 minutes. Following a deflected drive from Mac Allister, a corner kick delivered by Lionel Messi found Mac Allister, who headed the ball into the far corner of Gregor Kobel’s goal. This early goal provided Argentina with a platform to control the game.
Despite the early setback, Switzerland had started with purpose, pressing Argentina. Djibril Sow had an early opportunity, and Ndoye was active on the left flank. Breel Embolo also had a promising chance in the first half, but a combined effort from Lisandro Martínez and Emi Martínez prevented him from getting a shot away. Embolo had another significant opportunity shortly after the restart, which was denied by a block from Lisandro Martínez.
Switzerland’s persistence paid off in the 65th minute. After Ndoye forced a save from Emi Martínez, and Granit Xhaka also tested the goalkeeper, Ndoye eventually levelled the score. He linked up with Ricardo Rodriguez and fired home from a tight angle, leaving Argentina to reflect on how Ndoye was able to find space and execute the finish.
Controversial red card and extra-time drama
The momentum shifted dramatically shortly after Switzerland’s equaliser. Leandro Paredes was initially booked for a foul on Embolo. However, under new mistaken identity rules, a VAR review recommended a change, and referee João Pinheiro subsequently showed Embolo a second yellow card for simulation. This resulted in Embolo’s dismissal, leaving Switzerland with 10 men. The Swiss protests following the decision were unsuccessful, and Embolo left the field in tears.
With Switzerland reduced to 10 players, Argentina sought to capitalise before the end of regular time. Messi attempted a chip over Kobel, but it was disallowed for offside. Mac Allister had another header go over the bar, and Kobel made a crucial save from Lisandro Martínez just before extra time. Despite these efforts, neither team could find a winner, and the match proceeded to an additional 30 minutes.
In extra time, Argentina finally broke the deadlock. Julián Álvarez received the ball, cut onto his right foot, and delivered a powerful shot from 25 yards into the top left corner of Kobel’s goal. This stunning strike restored Argentina’s lead and provided a significant boost to their semi-final aspirations. The goal came after Argentina had been labouring towards penalties, with Messi unable to find a breakthrough despite his attempts.
The victory was sealed when Lautaro Martínez added a third goal late in extra time, converting a rebound after an initial shot from Thiago Almada was saved. This final goal confirmed Argentina’s 3-1 win and their place in the semi-finals. The semi-final match against England is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta.
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Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
