Did anyone expect an easy win? Argentina found themselves struggling against a resilient, well-organized 10-man Switzerland, with just eight minutes of extra time remaining and penalties looming. Following an early lead from Alexis Mac Allister, the match had turned into a grind, and the team faced the risk of regretting their failure to capitalize on the momentum.
Despite Lionel Messi’s numerous attempts to salvage the game, it was Julián Álvarez who emerged as the hero. Cutting onto his right foot, he unleashed a spectacular shot from 25 yards that found the top left corner of Gregor Kobel’s goal. This stunning effort not only reignited Argentina’s hopes but also set the stage for a thrilling semi-final against England on Wednesday in Atlanta, a rematch 40 years after the infamous Hand of God moment. Switzerland, on the other hand, could only wonder what might have been had Breel Embolo not received a second yellow card just five minutes after Ndoye’s equalizer.
Switzerland, aiming to replicate their successful strategy against Colombia, initially sought to maintain a strong defensive front. However, they conceded just 10 minutes into the match, and head coach Murat Yakin was left frustrated by the simplicity of Argentina’s opener. After a deflected shot from Mac Allister resulted in consecutive corners, Messi’s delivery found Mac Allister at the near post, whose header, initially seeming less than clean, looped into the far corner of Kobel’s net. This early goal gave Argentina a solid foundation to control the game.
Switzerland began with determination, pressing Argentina effectively. Although Sow struggled to create a meaningful chance, Ndoye was a constant threat on the left flank, hinting at the potential to exploit Argentina’s vulnerabilities.
Mac Allister’s goal shifted the momentum, but the first half devolved into a dull affair. Argentina was able to dictate the pace of the game, seemingly confident that Switzerland lacked the ingenuity or bravery to challenge them. Yet, a costly lapse occurred when Lisandro Martínez allowed Embolo to slip past him, nearly resulting in a scoring opportunity that Emiliano Martínez salvaged with a timely intervention.
A reckless challenge by Embolo on Leandro Paredes did stir the crowd, which had transitioned from carnival excitement to a more subdued atmosphere due to the lack of action. The match unfolded under a stunning blue sky, with Argentina’s anthems echoing in the stands, capturing the spirit of the fans.
As the game continued, Argentina sought a second goal to seal their fate, with a promising chance arising early in the second half. A well-weighted pass from Messi found Nahuel Molina, who unfortunately missed the target. Álvarez’s subsequent attempt was deflected away, but Switzerland finally began to push forward in search of a goal.
The pace picked up significantly as Switzerland pressed down the wings, sensing weakness in Argentina’s defense. In the 65th minute, Ndoye rose to meet a cross, forcing a save from Martínez, who was also called into action to deny Granit Xhaka shortly after. The equalizer came as no surprise when Ndoye, Switzerland’s standout performer, expertly finished following a neat exchange with Ricardo Rodriguez.
Just as Switzerland gained momentum, Embolo’s reckless actions plunged them back into despair. After receiving a yellow card for a foul on Paredes, a VAR review revealed he had actually dived, leading to a second caution and his dismissal. Embolo left the field in tears, his departure echoing the frustration of his teammates.
Messi attempted to increase the pressure with a clever lob over Kobel but was flagged offside. Had that shot counted, it could have been the decisive blow to Switzerland’s resistance. Mac Allister missed another chance with a header, and as the match approached its final moments, Kobel made a fantastic save from Lisandro Martínez. As extra time loomed, both teams were searching for a breakthrough, but it was Álvarez and Martínez who ultimately found their range, ensuring Argentina’s advancement to the semi-finals.
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