KANSAS CITY: Defending champions Argentina survived a massive scare against a resilient 10-man Switzerland, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory after extra time at the Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday. The win keeps Argentina’s dream of back-to-back World Cup titles alive and sets up a highly anticipated, blockbuster semifinal clash against arch-rivals England.
The South American fans turned the stadium into a sea of blue and white, celebrating early when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute. Despite the early setback, Switzerland fought back valiantly, outpassing the world champions for large stretches and finding a deserved equalizer in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye.
However, disaster struck for the Swiss just five minutes later when star forward Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation, leaving his team to battle with 10 men.
Switzerland put up a heroic defensive display to force the game into extra time, repelling wave after wave of Argentine attacks. The deadlock was finally broken in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez unleashed a breathtaking, curling strike into the top corner. Lautaro Martinez then added a late third to seal the victory.
With this win, Lionel Scaloni’s men extend their unbeaten World Cup run to 12 matches. They will now face Thomas Tuchel’s England in Atlanta on Wednesday in a match loaded with historic footballing rivalry.
