Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to reach World Cup semifinals

Argentina survived a tense quarterfinal against Switzerland, winning 3-1 after extra time to set up a semifinal clash with England. Alexis Mac Allister headed in Lionel Messi's corner in the 10th minute, but Dan Ndoye equalized for the Swiss in the 67th Source: AP News. The match turned in the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review for mistaken identity, leaving Switzerland with 10 men Source: Al Jazeera.

Red card controversy

Embolo was initially fouled by Leandro Paredes, but VAR showed he had dived. Referee Joao Pinheiro rescinded Paredes' yellow and booked Embolo instead, his second of the match Source: CNA. Swiss coach Murat Yakin called the rule “completely unacceptable,” while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted “luck was on our side” Source: CNA.

Argentina's resilience

Despite being a man down, Switzerland held firm until extra time. Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 112th minute with a long-range strike into the top corner Source: NPR. Lautaro Martinez added a third in stoppage time. Scaloni praised his team's unity: “We are a collective side. We are together” Source: CNA.

What's next

Argentina will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday, after England beat Norway 2-1 in extra time Source: euronews. Messi's nine-game scoring streak ended, but his assist proved crucial .