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Álvarez Extra-Time Strike Sends Argentina Into World Cup Semifinals

By breaking a compact Swiss defensive wall with a 112th-minute strike, Álvarez converted Argentina’s late-game persistence into a semi-final place.

Overview

  • Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time when Julián Álvarez scored from about 25 yards to break the deadlock and Lautaro Martínez finished in stoppage time to seal the win.
  • Switzerland defended in a narrow, compact block that largely denied Lionel Messi dangerous space and forced him to drop deeper to act as a playmaker.
  • Breel Embolo was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 72nd minute, leaving Switzerland to hold a rigid defensive shape for nearly 50 minutes and changing the game balance.
  • Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made several key saves that kept the match level through long periods and prolonged the contest into extra time.
  • The result continued a tournament trend for Argentina of decisive late goals and comebacks and moves the reigning champions into the semi-finals, where they will face the next opponent in the knockout schedule.