Argentina Vs Switzerland: Argentina Overcome 10-Man Switzerland 3-1 After Extra Time to Set Up England Semifinal

Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck late in extra time as Argentina defeated a resilient 10-man Switzerland side, with Breel Embolo sent off for simulation after a historic VAR review.

Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez striking late to break a resilient Swiss side that played nearly 50 minutes short-handed.

Argentina wasted no time asserting dominance. In the 10th minute, Lionel Messi floated an exquisite corner kick to an unmarked Alexis Mac Allister, who directed a powerful header into the back of the net. The assist marked Messi’s historic 10th career World Cup assist.

Switzerland grew into the game after halftime. In the 67th minute, Dan Ndoye linked up beautifully with Ricardo Rodríguez and rifled a finish from a tight angle past Emiliano Martínez to shock the reigning world champions. The game erupted in controversy in the 72nd minute when Portuguese referee João Pinheiro initially blew for a penalty and booked Argentina’s Leandro Paredes. However, following a VAR review for “mistaken identity / simulation,” the booking was reversed, and Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown his second yellow card for diving, leaving Switzerland with 10 men.

The exhausted Swiss defence held out heroically until the 112th minute when Álvarez unleashed a spectacular curling 25-yard stunner past Gregor Kobel. Deep in stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez sealed the win on a counter-attack assisted by José Manuel López.

Argentina finished with 16 shots, six on target, while Switzerland managed eight shots, four on target. Argentine possession stood at 62 percent compared to Switzerland’s 38 percent.

Álvarez has now scored four of his five career World Cup goals in knockout phases, tying him with Diego Maradona for the second-most knockout goals by an Argentine player, behind only Messi. Messi’s opening assist means he has provided 10 World Cup assists, each to a completely different player.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Argentina advances to a blockbuster semifinal clash against long-time rivals England on Wednesday.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on July 12, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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