Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored in extra time after Switzerland forced the match beyond 90 minutes.
Argentina booked a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in an entertaining quarter-final played on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, United States.
The reigning world champions made a strong start and controlled much of the opening period before Switzerland mounted a spirited comeback to force extra time, despite finishing the match with 10 players.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by Lionel Messi. The captain remained at the heart of Argentina’s attacking play throughout the first half as Switzerland struggled to contain the South Americans.
Switzerland’s problems increased just before the break when Breel Embolo received a yellow card for a late tackle.
The Swiss side returned from the interval with renewed purpose and found an equaliser in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye calmly converted Ricardo Rodriguez’s pass to bring his side level and revive their hopes.
Their momentum was short-lived, however, as Embolo was shown a second yellow card five minutes later, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Argentina responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez and Gonzalo Montiel as head coach Lionel Scaloni looked to restore his side’s attacking threat. Switzerland also made changes, bringing on Silvan Widmer, Zeki Amdouni and Miro Muheim, while Eray Comert replaced Rodriguez in stoppage time.
Neither team managed to find a winner before the end of regulation time, sending the match into an additional 30 minutes.
Scaloni introduced Thiago Almada at the start of extra time, while Switzerland replaced Denis Zakaria with Ardon Jashari shortly afterwards. The extra period also saw rising tensions, with Almada and Lautaro Martínez both receiving yellow cards following separate challenges.
Argentina eventually regained control, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez finding the net in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory and send the South American side into the last four of the tournament.
