13 July,2026 08:52 AM IST | Kansas City | Agencies
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel fails to stop a curling strike from Argentina’s Julian Alvarez (encircled) at Kansas City on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Julian Alvarez scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time on Saturday, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final against England.
Argentina fans were celebrating as early as the 10th minute when Lionel Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister's opener.
Switzerland levelled midway through the second half through Dan Ndoye, but minutes later disaster struck when Breel Embolo was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for simulation.
The match went to extra-time and Switzerland snuffed out wave after wave of attacks until Alvarez curled a breathtaking strike into the top corner in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez added gloss with a last-gasp third.
"We had to suffer a lot, but we knew they were a physical team. We had many difficulties," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi hailed his team's resilience and fighting spirit after the defending champions survived a major scare. "I feel very happy about the victory, a very hard-fought win. We knew it was going to be a very intense match," Messi said.
Celebrating the win on social media, icon Lionel Messi shared a series of photos from the hard-fought victory and emphasised the mental strength of the squad.
"Once again, we had to suffer, but this team never stops believing" Messi wrote on Instagram.
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No. of World Cup matches Argentina are unbeaten in
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