Argentina’s extra-time escape against Switzerland completes heavyweight World Cup semifinal lineup

Argentina survive Switzerland in extra time to set up blockbuster semifinal with England

Argentina are back in the World Cup semifinals and one step closer to a repeat after a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland that capped a gripping quarterfinal slate and completed a heavyweight final four.

The defending champions, already stretched by a tense round-of-16 comeback against Egypt, were pushed deep into extra time again before finally pulling away from a resilient Swiss side to book a meeting with England in the last four.

How the quarterfinal was decided

Argentina struck first, but Switzerland refused to go quietly and forced the holders into another nervy finish.

According to Yahoo Sports’ live World Cup coverage, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Argentina in the 10th minute, giving Lionel Scaloni’s team an early platform in the quarterfinal.

Switzerland hit back after the interval, with Dan Ndoye making it 1-1 in the 67th minute, and from there the game swung into a tense battle that ultimately went beyond 90 minutes.

Extra time was where Argentina’s attacking depth finally told. Julián Álvarez produced what Yahoo described as a “golazo” from outside the penalty area in the 112th minute, pushing the holders back in front and tilting the tie decisively in their favour.

As Switzerland chased another equaliser, Argentina continued to pour forward. Lautaro Martínez then added a late third, described by Yahoo as a stoppage-time rebound that sealed a 3-1 extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland, confirming Argentina’s passage to the semifinals.

Historic streak and a stacked semifinal field