Defensive brilliance and a Julian Alvarez masterpiece propel ten-man Switzerland to heartbreak as La Albiceleste overcome a late equalizer to secure their spot in the semifinals.
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Shortly following England's 2-1 win over Norway, the last quarter final of the FIFA 2026 World Cup took place between the reigning champions Argentina and a strong Swiss army.
Argentina headed into the game as favourites following their 13 minute comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. An uncomfortable knockout journey so far with Lionel Scaloni and his men looking for a more smooth sailing game.
Switzerland, meanwhile, saw off a strong Colombian side in their previous outing on penalties after a goalless draw. Heroics from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel confirmed their place in the final eight as they come face to face with Argentina.
The game had a slow start, with neither team standing out as the clear dominant side, until ten minutes passed. A corner awarded to Argentina swung in by Lionel Messi met by an outstanding leap from Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder's header flicked into the far corner past a helpless Kobel handed La Albiceleste the lead. 1-0.
REUTERSThe Swiss really struggled to create with the Argentina defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero seeming impenetrable with the only major chance for the Nati coming through Breel Embolo who was found with a through ball. An excellent tracking run from Martinez forced Embolo into a dead end as the chance fizzled away.
Mac Allister's header handed Argentina the advantage as the half time whistle sounded with much work needed from Switzerland. An underwhelming first half from Murat Yakin's men who simply could not create any concrete chances.
The second half was a similar story, with Switzerland unable to break down the Argentina defence. A commendable effort from Argentina to get men behind the ball constantly.
Switzerland's first major chance came through Embolo again who was found with a lofted through ball. The Rennes striker played the ball across to Dan Ndoye. His first touch slowed the move down entirely and allowed Lisandro Martinez to get across and make a crucial block. The offside flag arrived to spare Ndoye's blushes.
The 60 minute mark was the turning point for Switzerland as they finally put some pressure on Emilaino Martinez's goal and played to the players' strengths. Martinez was called into action for the first time, diving across to get two hands to Ndoye's header.
With 67 minutes on the clock, Switzerland found a breakthrough. A quick one-two with Ndoye and Ricardo Rodriguez down the left side. Ndoye slotted his effort past Martinez, levelling the scoring for Switzerland. 1-1.
REUTERSBut Switzerland were soon hit with another dagger. A dive from Embolo sent the referee to the VAR screen with the 'mistaken identity' rule coming to play turning over a wrongfully awarded free kick and handing Embolo a second yellow card, reducing the Nati to ten men.
An acrobatic effort form Lisandro Martinez was the final attempt of the 90 minutes forcing a save from Kobel as the referee blew for extra time. Switzerland needing to hold on for 30 more minutes with a man down.
It took a moment of magic from Julian Alvarez bending a beautiful effort cutting iron his right foot and finding the top right corner with an inch-perfect strike. 112 minutes played and Swiss hopes fading away. 2-1.
REUTERSThe game was sealed off in injury time of extra time. A bursting counter attack capitalising on Switzerland's overhaul of bodies forward left a three on one in favour of Argentina. Alvarez poked the ball away from Xhaka as Thiago Almada eventually had his effort saved with the rebound falling into the path of Lautaro Martinez who slotted his effort home confirming Argentina's place in the final four. 3-1.
Another tense victory for Scaloni's men who will have their toughest test against Thomas Tuchel's England on Wednesday, for a place in the World Cup final.
