Argentina defeats Switzerland 1-0 in World Cup quarter-final
Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after Alexis Mac Allister scored a header in the 10th minute, giving the South Americans a 1-0 win over Switzerland.
Argentina moved into the World Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the quarter-final match at Kansas Stadium. The only goal came in the 10th minute when a corner from Lionel Messi was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister, who rose above defender Manuel Akanji and headed the ball into the far side of the net.
Switzerland had begun the game positively, creating early chances and threatening to score within the first half-minute, but they were unable to convert. Their efforts included a chance for Fabian Rieder and a follow-up by Granit Xhaka that went over the bar.
"Brilliant goal from Mac Allister," said former Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend on ITV.
"The quality of the header is sensational," former England forward Chris Sutton commented on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Argentina's early breakthrough shifted the momentum, and despite Switzerland's continued possession and technical skill, they could not find an equaliser. The match concluded with Argentina leading the tournament for the first time.
The weather was described as warm and clear, with a blue sky over the stadium, similar to conditions during Argentina's earlier group-stage match against Algeria.