Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time on Sunday, reaching the FIFA World Cup semi-finals following a thrilling quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA.
The South Americans dominated the early exchanges before Switzerland rallied impressively, forcing extra time despite playing the closing stages with 10 men after Breel Embolo’s dismissal.
Argentina struck first in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister converted Lionel Messi’s clever assist, rewarding their bright opening and sustained attacking pressure. Messi orchestrated Argentina’s attacks throughout the first half as Switzerland struggled defensively and found few opportunities to threaten the South American backline.
Switzerland’s frustrations deepened before the interval when Embolo received a yellow card in the 44th minute following a late challenge.
The Swiss returned purposefully after half-time and levelled in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who calmly finished Ricardo Rodriguez’s precise pass. Switzerland’s momentum faded five minutes later after Embolo collected a second yellow card, reducing his side to 10 men for the remainder of the match.
