Argentina's Julian Alvarez (9) is lifted by Facundo Medina while celebrating their team's victory over Switzerland during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 11. AP-Yonhap
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Julian Alvarez sent defending champion Argentina back to the World Cup semifinals with a long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while another goal by Lautaro Martinez with seconds left in extra time only served to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night.
Alexis Mac Allister also scored off a corner kick from Lionel Messi, helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 earlier in the day.
Messi's nine-game World Cup scoring streak ended, but his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues. With Argentina and England joining France and Spain in the semifinals, it's the first time the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all advanced that far.
The game swung in the second half on a call sure to rile up critics who believe Argentina has been favored by officials in this tournament.
