Magic from Álvarez, not…

KANSAS CITY — Argentina required a spectacular extra-time goal from Argentina to defeat a resilient Switzerland team 3-1 in Saturday’s quarterfinal, avoiding the uncertainty of penalties after being held scoreless for over 100 minutes.

The reigning FIFA World Cup champions secured their victory with a stunning strike from Julián Álvarez in the 112th minute. The 26-year-old, who had yet to score in the tournament, delivered a magnificent curling shot from 24 meters that soared past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. This goal granted Argentina a spot in the semifinal against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Argentina initially led for almost 60 minutes after a goal from Alexis Mac Allister, who scored from a corner kick, marking their fifth set-piece goal of the tournament. However, Dan Ndoye leveled the match with a goal from a tough angle in the 67th minute. Switzerland dictated play for much of the night, but the game shifted when Breel Embolo was sent off following a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute.

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– VAR review: Was the ref right to change his decision and send off Embolo?

– World Cup Daily: Argentina, England book tantalizing semifinal

– Another big Bellingham night puts England into World Cup semifinals

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Following Embolo’s dismissal, Argentina launched 17 shots, while Switzerland managed just two. After Álvarez’s goal, Lautaro Martínez sealed the match with a breakaway goal.

This match marked Argentina’s third consecutive encounter going to extra time. They previously required a late own goal to secure a narrow victory over Cape Verde, and they found themselves down 2-0 against Egypt before a last-gasp comeback led by Enzo Fernández.

Despite Lionel Messi struggling to find space and ultimately ending the match with just one assist, Argentina effectively relied on contributions from Mac Allister, Álvarez, and Martínez to secure the win. — Bill Connelly

Messi quiet, but Argentina persists

Messi managed just one assist in the match, as Switzerland successfully limited the Argentina captain’s influence, halting his scoring streak.

Leading up to the game, Messi had scored in nine straight World Cup matches, establishing a record as the first player to net in six consecutive knockout rounds.

Switzerland restricted Messi to one shot in regular time and only three throughout the match. Nonetheless, his impact remained significant, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has assembled a squad capable of prevailing without relying solely on Messi’s brilliance, leaning on the efforts of Mac Allister, Álvarez, and Martínez to clinch a crucial victory in Kansas City.

Nonetheless, serious concerns loom ahead of the semifinal on Wednesday. — Lizzy Becherano

Embolo’s lapse altered the course of the match

Switzerland largely dominated the second half, eventually equalizing with Ndoye’s superb goal. They generated more touches in the box than Argentina, appearing poised to score again. However, Embolo’s poor decision to simulate a foul resulted in a second yellow card, shifting the momentum entirely.

Initially, referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro issued a yellow card to Paredes, but VAR determined that Embolo had feigned the foul and, having already been booked earlier, he was sent off. From that point, the match became decidedly one-sided.

In the remaining minutes of regulation and overtime, Argentina generated 1.61 xG versus Switzerland’s 0.03, ultimately scoring twice in the second extra period.

Switzerland held 54% possession before Embolo’s dismissal; after it, Argentina dominated with 76% possession. The impact of Embolo’s red card was both pivotal and unfortunate for Switzerland. — Connelly

Defensive lapses continue to trouble Argentina

Argentina’s defense has shown vulnerability, conceding five goals in their last three matches. Defender Lisandro Martínez acknowledged the need for increased focus.

“We dislike conceding goals and need to concentrate better. It’s crucial that we learn from these mistakes,” Martínez stated. “We’d rather experience this now than later in the tournament, which allows us to improve.”

Despite holding off Switzerland for most of the match, a brief lapse led to Ndoye’s goal, highlighting the need for heightened concentration. Argentina began the tournament with a solid defensive record, conceding just one goal in the group stage.

However, the knockout rounds have exposed weaknesses in their defense, raising questions about fatigue and travel distances. This issue must be addressed ahead of the encounter with England. — Becherano

Switzerland exits with pride

Switzerland’s previous quarterfinal appearances, in 1938 and 1954, were under coach Karl Rappan, known for his innovative “Swiss bolt” defense—a precursor to Italy’s dominant Catenaccio style.

Rappan would have been proud of how Switzerland performed in this tournament. They demonstrated resilience by conceding only one goal across their first 320 minutes of knockout play. Against Argentina, they executed an impressive possession-based defense, managing to keep Messi and the Argentine offense largely subdued.

After Embolo’s red card, they fought valiantly, blocking five Argentina shots and witnessing Kobel’s remarkable saves as they nearly endured to penalties. Unfortunately, Álvarez’s late goal dashed their hopes.

Switzerland’s journey concludes with a commendable record, having allowed only six goals in six matches—four of which came when both teams were even. — Connelly

Attendance concerns at a World Cup quarterfinal

As Argentina and Switzerland readied to kick off at 8 p.m. local time, it quickly became obvious that the Kansas City venue for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal had not sold out.

Numerous empty seats were visible, particularly in the upper bowl, with entire sections devoid of fans. Interestingly, Switzerland’s supporters potentially benefitted from these gaps, as their red attire blended in with the empty seats.

Tickets remained available on the resale market just hours before the game, indicating a struggle to fill the venue. One fan recounted his unsuccessful attempt to sell his ticket after Colombia was eliminated, ultimately deciding to attend the match wearing a yellow Colombia jersey, a sight that wasn’t uncommon throughout the stands. — Becherano