Did anyone really believe Argentina would secure an easy victory? As the match approached the last eight minutes of extra time, they were struggling against a resolute Swiss side reduced to ten men. The potential for regret loomed large as they had squandered what seemed like a straightforward game after taking an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister’s header.
The match had slowed to a crawl, and it took a stunning strike from Julián Álvarez to shake things up. Cutting onto his right foot from 25 yards, he delivered a breathtaking shot into the top left corner, out of reach of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. This moment of brilliance propelled Argentina into a semi-final clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta, a matchup that recalls memories of the infamous Hand of God, 40 years ago. Switzerland, meanwhile, might reflect on what could have been had Breel Embolo not been sent off just five minutes after Dan Ndoye equalized.
Initially, it was Switzerland expected to defend staunchly, replicating the tactics that had frustrated Colombia. However, they were breached early, and head coach Murat Yakin could only lament the simplicity of Argentina’s opening goal. After a series of corners initiated by a deflected shot from Mac Allister, Lionel Messi’s delivery found Mac Allister again, who leapt to head the ball into Kobel’s far corner. This gave Argentina the momentum they needed.
Switzerland started with intent, pressuring Argentina early on. Djibril Sow’s attempts at goal fell short, while Ndoye showed promise on the left wing. There were hints that they might exploit Argentina’s occasional nervousness.
Mac Allister’s goal shifted the dynamic, and the remainder of the first half saw little excitement. Argentina managed the game, believing their opponents lacked the creativity and courage to threaten them. Yet, they too were vulnerable; Lisandro Martínez let Embolo slip past him, but Emiliano Martínez came to the rescue with a crucial intervention.
A rough challenge by Embolo on Leandro Paredes, resulting in a yellow card that would prove significant later, at least roused the crowd, who had begun the match in a festive mood before it dulled. Despite the lack of action on the field, the atmosphere in the open-air stadium, under a clear blue sky, was still electric, with Argentine fans lifting their spirits through song.
As the second half began, Argentina sought a second goal to secure the match. A precise pass from Messi found Nahuel Molina, who failed to convert his chance, dragging the shot wide. Álvarez also had a shot deflected, but with Switzerland needing to show more ambition, the tempo of the match finally picked up.
Suddenly, the game sparked to life. Switzerland pushed forward and began to find gaps, particularly as Martínez struggled with Embolo’s header. The Swiss side started to move the ball with urgency. In the 65th minute, Ndoye’s header required a strong save from Martínez, who then faced a shot from Granit Xhaka, which he also managed to stop. However, the equalizer was inevitable.
Ndoye, Switzerland’s standout player, maintained his composure, skillfully finishing past Martínez after a well-coordinated play with Ricardo Rodriguez. Argentina could only ponder how Ndoye managed to evade Molina and create such a clear opportunity.
But just as Switzerland seemed to gain momentum, Embolo’s foolishness derailed their progress. Referee João Pinheiro issued a yellow card to Paredes for what seemed to be a foul on Embolo, but a VAR review revealed it was a blatant dive, leading to Embolo’s second yellow card. He left the pitch in tears after the protests from the Swiss side fell on deaf ears.
Messi attempted to capitalize on the moment, trying to chip Kobel but was caught offside. Had that attempt succeeded, it likely would have broken Switzerland’s resolve. Mac Allister missed another header, and just before extra time, Kobel made a remarkable save against Lisandro Martínez. What looked to be a fruitless extra half-hour turned around when Kobel again thwarted Messi, paving the way for Álvarez and Martínez to seal Argentina’s spot in the semi-finals.
- World Cup 2026
- Switzerland
- Argentina
- World Cup
- match reports
