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🛒 تسوق الآنArgentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET): Julián Álvarez Stunner Sends Defending Champions to World Cup Semi-Final
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET): Julián Álvarez Stunner Sends Defending Champions to World Cup Semi-Final
Álvarez's 112th-minute golazo keeps Argentina's title defence alive in dramatic quarter-final victory
Julián Álvarez produced a moment of extraordinary brilliance in the 112th minute to fire Argentina past a valiant 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, setting up a blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash with England. The defending champions showed trademark resilience at a packed stadium on Saturday night, overcoming a stubborn Swiss side that pushed them to the absolute limit over 120 minutes.
Tight First Half Sets the Tone
The match began cautiously, with Switzerland's disciplined defensive structure frustrating Argentina's attack in the opening 45 minutes. Lionel Messi dropped deep to collect possession but found himself surrounded by Swiss shirts every time he approached the final third. Argentina dominated with over 65% possession in the first half but managed only two shots on target as their passing lacked the incisive final ball. Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer was largely untroubled.
Lautaro Martínez Breaks the Deadlock
Argentina finally broke through in the 58th minute. Right-back Nahuel Molina delivered a low cross from the flank that found Lautaro Martínez inside the box. The Inter Milan striker swivelled and fired low past Sommer to give Argentina a deserved lead, sending their fans into celebration.
Switzerland responded with renewed energy. Coach Murat Yakin introduced fresh legs, and the tactical shift paid off in the 73rd minute. A swift counter-attack caught Argentina off guard, and a deflected shot from outside the area looped over Emiliano Martínez to make it 1-1.
Argentina pushed hard for a winner in regular time. Messi came close with a curling free kick that brushed the outside of the post, and Álvarez forced a sharp save from Sommer in the 85th minute. But the Swiss defence, marshalled by Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji, held firm, sending the match into extra time.
Red Card Swings the Momentum
Switzerland's task became significantly harder in the 98th minute when Akanji received a second yellow card for a tactical foul on Messi, reducing the Swiss to 10 men. Argentina seized control, pinning Switzerland deep in their own half . Yet the Swiss defence blocked everything — clearances were headed away, bodies thrown in front of shots — and the clock ticked towards what seemed like an inevitable penalty shootout.
Álvarez's Moment of Magic
Then came the moment that decided the tie. The ball broke to Julián Álvarez 25 yards from goal, with his back partially to goal. The Manchester City forward controlled, turned, and unleashed a ferocious strike that bent away from Sommer and crashed into the top corner. The stadium erupted. It was a goal worthy of winning any match — pure individual brilliance.
"I just saw the ball come to me and thought, 'Hit it,'" Álvarez said after the match. "It went in, and I could not believe it. This team never gives up."
Argentina added a third in the 118th minute through substitute Ángel Di María, who capitalised on a tired Swiss defence to slot home from a Messi assist, sealing a 3-1 scoreline that reflected Argentina's overall dominance.
Semi-Final Against England Awaits
The victory sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against England, who defeated Brazil in their quarter-final. Argentina aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup. For Lionel Scaloni's men, the performance was not flawless — Switzerland exposed defensive vulnerabilities on the counter-attack — but the hallmark of champions is finding a way to win even when not at their best.
"We suffered, but this team has character," Scaloni said in his post-match press conference. "Switzerland were very difficult opponents. Now we prepare for England, and we know what that means."
Switzerland leave the tournament with their heads held high. They pushed the world champions to the brink and were a second yellow card away from forcing penalties. For Argentina, the dream of back-to-back World Cup titles remains alive. Julián Álvarez's stunning strike will be replayed for generations — a goal that kept the title defence on track and delivered another unforgettable chapter in this team's remarkable journey.
— Libya Press / Sports Desk
