Argentina defeated Switzerland in extra time to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup
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Argentina and Switzerland had very different World Cup resumes coming into Saturday night’s quarterfinal matchup in Kansas City.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are fighting to win their second World Cup in a row, while the Swiss reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia on penalties.
Argentina survived a scare against Egypt, and that set up a thrilling match between the attacking juggernaut and a defensively-leaning Switzerland side.
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Lionel Messi and Argentina had to get past Switzerland to continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
It didn’t take long for Argentina’s offense to start. In the 10th minute, seconds after Messi took a corner pass in front of the net, Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts on the board.
Argentina continued to control the game, albeit slowly, while Switzerland matched the lead and created a number of chances. Argentina, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on several excellent opportunities.
The game went into the break with Mac Allister’s tally alone on the board, which Switzerland could consider a win in many ways. Keeping the reigning champs at arm’s reach is no small feat.
In the second half, Switzerland continued to apply pressure, even making Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez make a crucial save.
Dan Ndoye of Switzerland celebrates the tying goal against Argentina on Saturday in Kansas City. (Photo by Kyle Rivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
In the 67th minute, that pressure paid off as the Swiss shocked the Argentina crowd when Dan Ndoye equalized 1-1.
Momentum was in Switzerland’s favor, but Switzerland received a brutal decision from the officials.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was given a yellow card, but after a review, the call was overturned, and a yellow card was given to Switzerland’s Breel Embolo.
The important thing is that this was his second yellow card in this match, so he was sent off with a red card, and Switzerland had to continue with only 10 players.
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However, the Swiss managed to stay alive, and this one headed to extra time, and that was thanks to a wonderful save from Argentina’s corner by Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel in the final period of regulation.
In the first half of extra time, Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez were both shown yellow cards. Meanwhile, Switzerland was able to maintain the level of play despite being down as a man.
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez celebrates his goal in extra time which was the game winner. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
However, in the 112th minute, Argentina’s Julian Alvarez booked Argentina’s ticket to the semi-finals.
Which is not true.
How many more horrors can Argentina fans take?
Argentina struck again as extra time began to extend their lead to 3-1.
It is noteworthy that Messi did not score in this game, ending his goalscoring streak – which stretches back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – at an incredible nine games.
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The semi-finals are now set, and they are doozies.
Spain and France will meet on Tuesday in Arlington, while Argentina will play England on Wednesday in Atlanta.
