KANSAS CITY, July 12 — Defending champions Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the second consecutive tournament after defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time on Saturday.
After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time to send Lionel Messi’s side into the last four, where they will face England.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Messi-assisted corner after a costly Swiss defensive mistake.
Switzerland responded strongly after the break and equalized in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished a well-worked move with a precise right-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The turning point came five minutes later when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after a VAR review determined he had simulated a foul. Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland defended resolutely to force extra time.
Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to break down the Swiss defense until the 112th minute, when Álvarez produced a superb curling finish after cutting inside from the left to restore his team’s lead.
As Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equalizer, Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory with a late goal on the counterattack, securing a 3-1 win.
The result keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive as they prepare for a semifinal showdown against 1966 champions England.
