Álvarez scores in extra time to send Argentina into World Cup semifinals
Julián Álvarez netted a 112th-minute winner as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-final, setting up a semifinal clash with England.
Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday. The decisive goal came in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez struck a curling shot from 24 metres that beat goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. A later strike from Lautaro Martínez sealed the win.
Argentina had taken the lead early in the second half through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed in a corner. Switzerland equalised in the 67th minute via Dan Ndoye, and the match remained level until a second-yellow-card dismissal of Breel Embolo in the 72nd minute shifted momentum. After the red card, Argentina outshot Switzerland 17-2 and generated far more expected goals, according to match data.
Lionel Messi, who finished with an assist on Mac Allister’s goal, was held to a single shot in regular time. Defender Lisandro Martínez said the team must improve concentration, adding, "We don't like conceding goals, and we definitely need to be a little more focused."
Switzerland’s run ended after 40 minutes with ten men, though they had limited Argentina to four shots before the dismissal and kept the score close until the late goals. The Swiss side will exit the tournament having allowed six goals in six matches.
Argentina now prepares to face England in the semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta.