Alvarez's extra-time stunner sends Argentina past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in World Cup quarter-final

Argentina laboured through a tense quarter-final against Switzerland, eventually winning 3-1 in extra time to book a semi-final meeting with England. The defending champions needed a moment of brilliance from Julian Alvarez and a late clincher from Lautaro Martinez after the Swiss had equalised in regulation and then lost Breel Embolo to a red card.

Early Argentine breakthrough

Lionel Messi delivered a corner from the right in the 10th minute and Alexis Mac Allister headed home at the near post to give Argentina the lead. It was the Liverpool midfielder's first goal of the tournament and came against the run of play, as Switzerland had started with initiative and possession. Argentina managed the tempo through the rest of the half, neutralising Swiss efforts such as a long-range attempt by Granit Xhaka. The score remained 1-0 at the break.

Swiss fightback and Ndoye's equaliser

Switzerland emerged for the second half with renewed intensity. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was called into action multiple times, denying Dan Ndoye's header (65') and a Xhaka shot (66'). The pressure paid off in the 67th minute when Ndoye received a one-two inside the box and slotted the ball under Martinez for 1-1. Switzerland, in their first quarter-final in 72 years, had the momentum and looked the more dangerous side.

Embolo's dismissal shifts the balance

Five minutes later the match pivoted. Breel Embolo went down in the area seeking a foul but the VAR review prompted referee João Pinheiro to show a second yellow card for simulation. Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute, reducing Switzerland to ten men. Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a winner before the end of normal time, with the Swiss defence holding firm.

Extra-time heroics

After a goalless first period of extra time, Julian Alvarez produced the decisive moment. From 28 metres out on the left, he unleashed a curling strike (clocked at 80 km/h) that flew into the net in the 112th minute. Switzerland could not respond, and deep into added time (120+1') Lautaro Martinez finished a counter-attack to make it 3-1 and extinguish any doubt.

Semi-final showdown with England awaits

Argentina will face England in the semi-finals on 15 July at 22:00 local time in Atlanta. Before kick-off, a minute's silence was observed for South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who died at age 25.