Argentina Defeat 10 Man Switzerland, Set Up England World Cup Clash

Argentina Defeat 10 Man Switzerland, Set Up England World Cup Clash
Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored to seal Argentina’s victory.
Argentina will face England in the FIFA World Cup semi finals.

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-1 extra time victory over Switzerland to book a place in the semi finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an entertaining quarter final at Kansas City Stadium.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Lionel Scaloni’s side overcame stubborn resistance from the Swiss, scoring twice in extra time after playing with a numerical advantage for much of the second half. The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi final clash against fierce rivals England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

Argentina made a bright start and took the lead through an unlikely scorer. Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to head past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel despite being surrounded by taller Swiss defenders.

Switzerland responded positively and came close to an equaliser, but Emiliano Martinez produced a crucial save after Breel Embolo broke through the Argentine defence and raced towards goal.

Shortly after the restart, Messi released Nahuel Molina with a perfectly weighted pass, but the defender dragged his effort wide of the target.

The Swiss continued to press and eventually found a deserved equaliser through Dan Ndoye. The forward capitalised on sustained pressure after earlier seeing one effort blocked by Lisandro Martinez and another brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martinez.

The match turned in Argentina’s favour in the 72nd minute when Embolo received his second yellow card for simulation, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.

Messi nearly won the match in normal time after cutting inside and curling a right footed effort narrowly wide of the post.

Argentina continued to dominate in extra time. Thiago Almada struck the outside of the post before Julián Alvarez restored his side’s lead with a superb curling finish.

Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory late in extra time, finishing off another flowing Argentine attack to send the reigning world champions into the last four.

Argentina will now face England for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as they continue their quest to successfully defend the title.