Argentina battle past Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semi-final against England

Highlights

• Defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a World Cup quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium.
• The match was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, before Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time.
• Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off with a second yellow card after a VAR review ruled he had dived.
• The result ended Lionel Messi's nine-game World Cup scoring streak.
• Argentina will face England in the semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta, after England beat Norway 2-1 in extra time.

Defending champions Argentina battled past Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a contentious World Cup quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium, setting up a semi-final against England.

Argentina took an early lead in the 10th minute, when Alexis Mac Allister converted a corner delivered by Lionel Messi. Switzerland equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, levelling the match at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

VAR controversy reduces Switzerland to 10 men

Five minutes after Switzerland's equaliser, officials reviewed a challenge by Argentina's Leandro Paredes on Breel Embolo. VAR ruled that Embolo had dived before any contact was made. As Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier in the match, the booking for simulation resulted in a second yellow, and he was sent off, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.

Extra time settles it

Despite playing a man down, Switzerland held firm through the additional 30 minutes, before Julian Alvarez struck a long-range effort past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez then sealed the 3-1 win with a goal in the closing moments of extra time.

The result marked the first match of the tournament in which Messi failed to score, ending his personal run of nine consecutive World Cup matches with a goal.

England awaits in the semi-final

Argentina will face England in the semi-final on Wednesday, 15 July, at Atlanta Stadium. England reached the last four earlier the same day, beating Norway 2-1 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice.

The other semi-final will see France take on Spain on Tuesday, 14 July, at Dallas Stadium.