Argentina vs Switzerland

Argentina secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over a heroic 10-man Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — but they were made to work every second of the 120 minutes to get there. Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead in the 10th minute, heading in a Lionel Messi corner to continue the defending champions' habit of scoring first in every knockout match. Switzerland, making their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, were unfazed. Dan Ndoye levelled in the 67th minute, firing past Emiliano Martínez with a precise low finish to send the match to extra time. The tie was then transformed when Breel Embolo — booked in the first half — was shown a second yellow card for a theatrical dive in the 69th minute, leaving Switzerland to defend with ten men for more than 50 gruelling minutes. Even shorthanded, the Swiss held firm deep into extra time. Messi, whose streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches came to an end, created chances without converting. Then came the goal of the quarter-finals. Julián Álvarez, 25 metres from goal, received the ball on the left, took one touch and unleashed a thunderbolt that flew into the far corner past Gregor Kobel in the 112th minute. Whether it was the goal of the tournament will be debated — but it was exactly the moment of individual genius Argentina needed. Lautaro Martínez added a stoppage-time fourth from a rebound, with Thiago Almada's initial shot blocked, to seal a comprehensive result. Argentina's semi-final opponents are England — their first meeting at a World Cup since 1986, when Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' defined footballing folklore. Messi has spoken of the '86 World Cup as his inspiration. Now, 40 years on, he leads Argentina against the same opponents in the same stage of the same competition.