Argentina beats Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, sets up semifinal clash with England

Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday. The defending champions will now face England in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday in Atlanta. Source: Infobae

What happened

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading in a corner from Lionel Messi. Switzerland equalized through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute, but momentum shifted when Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute for simulation after a VAR review. Despite playing with 10 men, Switzerland held on to force extra time. Source: Excelsior, El Nacional

The decisive moments

In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner to break the deadlock. Lautaro Martínez sealed the win in the 120+1st minute after a scramble in the box. Messi, who did not score but recorded an assist, remains the tournament's top scorer with eight goals alongside Kylian Mbappé. Source: Diario Libre, El Mundo

The red card was controversial: Embolo was initially shown a yellow card to Leandro Paredes, but the VAR invoked the "mistaken identity" protocol to issue a second yellow to Embolo for diving. Swiss supporters and some analysts argued the decision was harsh. Source: Listín Diario

What's next

Argentina will meet England, a rematch of the famous 1986 quarterfinal where Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century." Lionel Scaloni's team continues its quest for a second consecutive World Cup title, but has yet to win comfortably in the knockout stages, requiring late heroics against Cape Verde, Egypt, and now Switzerland. Source: La Jornada, Euronews