ARGENTINA will be up against England in one of the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Kansas City in the early hours of today.
Julian Alvarez settled a controversial match in extra-time with a moment of brilliance, curling an unstoppable 25-yard effort past Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
It was heartbreak for Switzerland, who had defended valiantly after being reduced to 10 men during the second half in dramatic circumstances.
Star striker Breel Embolo was given a second yellow card for diving following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Embolo initially appeared to be fouled near the half-way line by Leandro Paredes, who was booked. However the referee was called by VAR to check under the mistaken identity rule, with the replay showing the Swiss player had clearly simulated contact.
The Paredes booking was quashed and Embolo, who had already been booked, was sent off to his distress and Swiss outrage.
Just five minutes before Embolo was dismissed, Switzerland had deservedly equalised having been the better team for much of this game against the reigning world champions.
Argentina may have anticipated a cruise to the last four when Alexis Mac Allister flicked home Lionel Messi’s corner at the near post with just 10 minutes gone.
But they failed to press their advantage and Switzerland built into the game before Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye struck after 67 minutes.
Ndoye cut in from the left, played a one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez and tucked his finish through the legs of Emiliano Martinez.
But Argentina assumed dominance after the Embolo red, and after long periods of struggle were blessed by Alvarez’s moment of genius.
Switzerland pushed for a second leveller, but they were caught on the counter and Lautaro Martinez slotted home as Argentina kept their bid for back to back World Cups alive.
Agency report
