“Alvarez And Martinez Fire Argentina Into World Cup Semi-Finals With 3-1 Win Over 10-Man Switzerland”
La Albiceleste dig deep in extra-time to set up a semi-final clash with England.
Argentina edged past Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez striking late to break Swiss resistance.
Argentina took the lead through a moment of Lionel Messi brilliance. The captain swung in a corner and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to power a header into the back of the net.
Switzerland grew into the game and hit back in the 67th minute. A Ricardo Rodriguez pass found Dan Ndoye, who slotted home to level matters at 1-1.
The game turned 7 minutes later. Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow for simulation after a VAR review, leaving Switzerland to play the final 20 minutes plus extra-time with 10 men.
Full-time ended 1-1 and the tie headed to extra-time.
The numerical advantage told. In the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez curled a brilliant strike into the far left corner to put Argentina ahead.
Then in the 120th minute, Lautaro Martinez added a third to seal a 3-1 victory.
Alvarez was named Man of the Match for his decisive contribution.
Argentina have now reached the World Cup semi-finals in 3 of the last 4 editions — and next up is a blockbuster against England.
Reactions
Lionel Scaloni: “We have to be realistic, we have a lot of things that need improving, but winning always makes everything better. It’s historic to reach the semifinals again. It doesn’t matter if it’s England or Norway, we’ll be facing a team that plays very good football. Now we need to recover our fitness — that’s the most important thing.”
Julian Alvarez: “I felt a lot of relief after the goal. We tried until the end, and things got complicated even with a numerical advantage. We will do EVERYTHING to make sure Messi wins the World Cup AGAIN. The first thing I did when I scored was to hug him.”
Lautaro Martinez: “This team always has a bit more to give. We had some difficulties in the second half, but we didn’t lose our patience and in the end the goals came.”
Cristian Romero: “If you don’t suffer, IT’S NOT WORTH IT. We’re so proud of this group. We will give our SOULS against England. We will leave our LIVES on the pitch to reach the final again.”
Argentina showed patience, quality and ruthlessness to overcome a stubborn Switzerland.
Now it’s Argentina vs England in the semi-finals a heavyweight clash with a place in the World Cup final on the line.