Alvarez and Martinez Strike in Extra Time as Argentina Battle Past Switzerland to Reach Semi-Finals

Miami, Florida – Argentina are through to the World Cup semi-finals after extra-time heroics against Switzerland, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring in the additional period to secure a 3-1 victory and set up a mouthwatering clash with England.

Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina an early lead with a 10th-minute header from Lionel Messi's corner. But Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute, setting up a tense finish to regulation time. The game changed dramatically when Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review for simulation – having already received a yellow card in the first half.

Argentina pressed for a winner in normal time, with Messi nearly finding the net in stoppage time, but Switzerland held firm to force extra time. In the additional period, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning curling strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory in stoppage time of extra time.

Mac Allister's Early Header

Alexis Mac Allister's 10th-minute header off a corner-kick by Lionel Messi was the difference in the first 45 minutes of play. Mac Allister's goal was one of just three shots for the holders in the first half, and they went without an attempt for the next 35 minutes before the whistle, but Argentina still managed to look in control.

Ndoye's Equaliser and Embolo's Red Card

Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute, setting up a tense finish to regulation time. The game changed dramatically when Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review for simulation – having already received a yellow card in the first half.

After review, there was no foul on Paredes and his yellow card was rescinded. The yellow card was instead given to Embolo for simulation, who had already received a yellow in the first half and was now finished for this game.

Alvarez's Stunning Strike

Argentina pressed for a winner in normal time, with Messi nearly finding the net in stoppage time, but Switzerland held firm to force extra time. In the additional period, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning curling strike in the 112th minute.

He picked up a pass from Jose Manuel Lopez, who had just entered in the 110th minute for Leandro Paredes, took just a few touches on his right foot at the left edge of the penalty area and fired a curling shot into the top right corner. It's Alvarez's first goal of this World Cup.

Martinez Seals the Victory

Lautaro Martinez sealed it on the break in stoppage time of extra time. He started this sequence on the counter and laid the ball off to Thiago Almada, who seemed to get a shot off but had his attempt saved by Gregor Kobel. Martinez was in position to fire the rebound of the save into the empty net.

Key Moments in the Match

Several key moments defined this thrilling encounter:

• 10' – Mac Allister heads in from Messi's corner to give Argentina the lead
• 67' – Ndoye equalises for Switzerland
• 70' – Embolo sent off after VAR review for simulation
• 90+9' – Messi nearly finds the winner in stoppage time
• 112' – Alvarez scores stunning curling strike
• 120+1' – Martinez seals victory on the break

What's Next for Argentina

Argentina will face England in the semi-finals – a mouthwatering clash between two of the tournament's favourites. For the first time, the top four teams in FIFA's rankings will be in the World Cup semi-finals.

As one observer noted: "Watching Argentina games at the 2026 World Cup has felt like that one internet meme from 2016: 'Well, I'd like to see Argentina wriggle their way out of THIS jam!' *Argentina wriggles their way out of the jam easily* 'Ah! Well. Nevertheless.'"