Argentina have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3–1 in extra time, setting up a highly anticipated clash with England.
Julian Alvarez produced the defining moment of the quarter-final in the 112th minute, curling a spectacular strike into the top corner from just outside the penalty area. Lautaro Martinez later added Argentina’s third goal to finally end Switzerland’s determined resistance.
However, the victory was overshadowed by an extraordinary VAR decision that resulted in Swiss forward Breel Embolo being sent off for simulation under the tournament’s expanded “mistaken identity” review protocol.
Argentina had taken an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland during the second half. The European side appeared to be gaining momentum when Embolo’s dismissal changed the balance of the match.
Alvarez Delivers When Argentina Need Him Most
For the first time at this World Cup, Lionel Messi failed to score, but Alvarez stepped forward to keep Argentina’s title defence alive.
The Atletico Madrid striker produced one of the finest goals of the tournament during the second period of extra time. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, Alvarez created enough space to bend a powerful effort beyond Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and into the top corner.
Martinez then scored late in the contest to give the final scoreline a more comfortable appearance than Argentina’s performance had suggested.
Messi had still played a decisive role earlier in the match. Less than 10 minutes after kick-off, the captain delivered an outswinging corner that Mac Allister guided into the far corner with a well-directed header.
The assist was Messi’s 10th at a World Cup, with each of those passes setting up a different Argentina teammate.
His first came for Hernan Crespo against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. Since then, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Gabriel Mercado, Sergio Aguero, Enzo Fernandez, Nahuel Molina, Alvarez, Cristian Romero and Mac Allister have all scored from Messi assists at the tournament.
Despite the early breakthrough, Argentina struggled to play with their usual control and fluency. Messi remained relatively quiet for long periods and only began finding more space after Switzerland were reduced to 10 players.
Even then, the 39-year-old was unable to convert his opportunities. A chipped attempt lacked sufficient power, while a right-footed effort passed narrowly wide.
The demanding schedule may have affected the veteran captain, who has played several lengthy knockout matches within a short period. Nevertheless, his ambition of winning another World Cup remains alive.
Embolo Dismissed After Unusual VAR Intervention
The most controversial moment occurred in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland had equalised.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to challenge Embolo near the touchline. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially believed Paredes had committed the offence and showed him a yellow card.
The video assistant referees then reviewed the incident and found there had apparently been no contact. Replays suggested Embolo had gone to ground while anticipating a challenge that never arrived.
The review was conducted under the category of “mistaken identity”, because the referee had cautioned Paredes even though Embolo was judged to have committed the offence by simulating contact.
Following the pitch-side review, Pinheiro withdrew the yellow card shown to Paredes and instead booked Embolo.
Because the Swiss forward had already received a yellow card during the first half, the second caution resulted in his dismissal.
The decision left Embolo visibly distressed as teammates attempted to console him.
Under the regulations introduced for the tournament, VAR can intervene when a referee has clearly cautioned or dismissed the wrong player, including when the wrongly penalised player belongs to the opposing team.
The incident highlighted an unusual aspect of the rule. Had the referee not initially shown Paredes a yellow card, VAR may not have been able to review Embolo’s alleged simulation on its own.
The original caution therefore created the opportunity for the officials to correct the identity of the player deemed responsible for the offence.
Switzerland Expose Argentina’s Weaknesses
Before the red card, Switzerland had created significant problems for the reigning champions.
Argentina became increasingly passive during the second half and allowed their opponents to control possession and progress through midfield. Switzerland outshot Argentina during the period before Embolo’s dismissal and deservedly found an equaliser.
Ndoye completed the move after Switzerland used quick passing to open space on Argentina’s right side.
Argentina’s defenders were slow to respond, while midfielder Rodrigo De Paul lost track of Ricardo Rodriguez’s supporting run. That allowed Switzerland to move the ball into a dangerous position before Ndoye finished the opportunity.
Even after gaining a numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to dominate completely. Switzerland continued to defend with determination and forced the match into extra time.
The performance raised further questions about Argentina’s defensive stability and their ability to control matches against strong opponents.
None of the defending champions’ knockout fixtures have been straightforward. Although they possess outstanding attacking talent and continue to find ways to win, their midfield and defence have offered opponents opportunities.
England are likely to take encouragement from the chances Switzerland created, particularly through wide areas and quick forward passes.
Mac Allister Beats Taller Defenders
Mac Allister’s opening goal also demonstrated Argentina’s continued strength from set pieces.
The midfielder, who is approximately 175 centimetres tall, managed to beat the significantly taller Embolo to Messi’s corner.
Switzerland defended the set piece using a zonal system, with several players positioned close to the six-yard line rather than marking individual opponents tightly.
Mac Allister timed his movement perfectly, starting outside Embolo’s view before accelerating toward the delivery.
His momentum allowed him to move in front of the stationary defender and meet Messi’s curling corner first. He then used the pace of the ball to direct his header into the far side of the goal.
Argentina have now scored five goals from set pieces during the tournament, more than any other team.
Historic England Rivalry Renewed
Argentina will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday in a semi-final filled with sporting history and political significance.
The countries have not met in senior international football for 21 years. Their most recent encounter was a 2005 friendly in Geneva, which England won 3–2.
Messi did not take part in that match because he was serving a suspension after being sent off on his international debut. The semi-final will therefore mark his first appearance against England.
The rivalry is most strongly associated with the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and another widely regarded as one of the finest in tournament history.
Argentina later defeated England on penalties at the 1998 World Cup after David Beckham was sent off.
England gained some revenge in 2002, when Beckham converted a penalty to secure a 1–0 group-stage victory.
Interest in the latest meeting is already enormous, with ticket prices reportedly reaching thousands of dollars.
England will believe Switzerland demonstrated that Argentina can be placed under pressure. The reigning champions looked vulnerable defensively and lacked control for significant periods of the quarter-final.
Argentina, however, still possess Messi, Alvarez and a squad experienced in surviving difficult knockout matches.
Despite the controversy surrounding Embolo’s dismissal and concerns about Argentina’s overall performance, Alvarez’s extraordinary extra-time goal ensured the holders remain two victories away from retaining the World Cup.
