Argentina secured a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after overcoming 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in an entertaining extra-time quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday
The South Americans made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister finished off a superb pass from Lionel Messi after sustained early pressure.
Messi dictated the tempo throughout the first half as Argentina dominated possession, while Switzerland struggled to create clear-cut chances. The Swiss were also dealt a setback before the break when Breel Embolo was booked for a late tackle.
Switzerland responded positively after the restart and drew level in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who calmly slotted home after being set up by Ricardo Rodriguez.
However, the momentum shifted again just five minutes later when Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to finish the match with 10 players.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni introduced Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel in a bid to restore his side’s advantage, while Switzerland also made changes to freshen up the team.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the match headed into extra time.
Argentina made another attacking change by bringing on Thiago Almada, while Switzerland replaced Denis Zakaria with Ardon Jashari early in the additional period.
The game became increasingly physical, with Almada and Lautaro Martinez both shown yellow cards during extra time.
Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute as Julian Alvarez finished clinically after excellent work from Junior Lopez to put the South Americans back in front.
Lautaro Martinez then wrapped up the victory deep into extra-time stoppage time, scoring Argentina’s third goal to seal a 3-1 win.
Switzerland earned praise for their spirited display despite being reduced to 10 men, but Argentina’s extra quality proved decisive as they advanced to the World Cup semi-finals and moved one step closer to another global title.
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