Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET): Alvarez extra-time rocket sends Argentina into semi-finals

Defending champions Argentina survived yet another almighty World Cup scare, overcoming a resilient 10-man Switzerland in extra time to set up a mouthwatering semi-final blockbuster against England.

​On a suffocatingly humid night in Kansas City, it required a breathtaking 112th-minute rocket from forward Julián Álvarez and a last-gasp strike from Lautaro Martínez to finally break the Swiss resistance and keep Lionel Messi’s dream of back-to-back global titles alive.

​La Albiceleste had initially looked completely in control when Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister glanced home a clever 10th-minute header from a precise Messi corner. It was Messi’s 10th career assist across six World Cups, but the anticipated cruise to the semi-finals never materialized.

​Murat Yakin’s disciplined Switzerland fought back fiercely and stunned the South Americans in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye swept home a deserved equalizer.

​Moments later, the match pivoted on an extraordinary piece of VAR drama. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo went down under a challenge from Leandro Paredes, who was initially flashed a yellow card. However, a video review revealed Embolo had dove before any contact was made. Using the rare “mistaken identity” protocol, the booking was sensationally transferred to the Swiss forward. Having already been carded in the first half, a shell-shocked Embolo was sent off, leaving Switzerland to fight with 10 men.

​Even with the numerical advantage, Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to pierce the wall of red shirts as the tie bled into extra time. But just as the agonizing tension of a penalty shootout began to loom over Arrowhead Stadium, Álvarez picked up the ball and unleashed a devastating, curling strike into the far top corner, sparking pandemonium among the thousands of traveling Argentine fans.

​Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Martínez tapped home a third to add an flattering gloss to the scoreline.

​Argentina’s relentless quest to retain their crown now marches on to Atlanta for a historic final-four showdown against the Three Lions on Wednesday.