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Argentina and Switzerland have had very different World Cup journeys heading into Saturday night’s quarterfinal match in Kansas City.
The Lionel Messi-led Argentina team is fighting to win its second consecutive World Cup, while the Swiss found themselves in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia on penalties.
Argentina survived a scare against Egypt, resulting in an interesting clash between an attacking juggernaut and a Swiss team that relied on its defense.
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Lionel Messi and Argentina had to pass through Switzerland to continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
It didn’t take too long for the Argentine offensive to get underway. In the 10th minute, moments after Messi slotted home a corner in front of the net, Alexis Mac Allister put the defending champions on the board.
Argentina continued to control possession, albeit slightly, while Switzerland matched the stride and created a handful of chances. Argentina, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on some excellent opportunities.
The match ended at halftime with the only score scored by Mac Allister, which Switzerland would probably consider a victory in many respects. Keeping the reigning champions within reach is no easy feat.
In the second half, Switzerland continued to pile on the pressure and even forced Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to make key saves.
Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye celebrates the equalizer against Argentina on Saturday in Kansas City. (Photo by Kyle Rivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
In the 67th minute, this pressure paid off as the Swiss shocked the strongly pro-Argentinian crowd when Dan Ndoye equalized at 1-1.
The dynamic had definitely shifted in favor of Switzerland, but Switzerland was then hit by a brutal decision by the authorities.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes received a yellow card, but after review the call was overturned and the yellow card was given to Switzerland’s Breel Embolo.
Above all, it was his second yellow card of the match, so he was sent off and Switzerland had to continue with only 10 players.
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However, the Swiss managed to stay alive, and it headed into extra time, thanks to a superb save on an Argentinian corner from Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel in the final moments of regulation time.
In the first half of extra time, Argentines Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez both received yellow cards. Meanwhile, Switzerland managed to keep the match level despite losing by a man.
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez celebrates his overtime goal which turned out to be the winning goal. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
However, in the 112th minute, Argentina’s Julian Alvarez called the game in a beautiful way to give Argentina their ticket to the semi-finals.
Unreal.
How many more scares will Argentinian supporters be able to endure?
Argentina added another just as injury time began to extend their lead to 3-1.
It’s worth noting that Messi didn’t score in this match, ending his goalscoring streak – which dated back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – with a stunning nine matches.
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The semi-final matches are now set, and they are doozies.
Spain and France will face off on Tuesday in Arlington, while Argentina will face England on Wednesday in Atlanta.
