Argentina are one win from another World Cup final after surviving a Swiss fightback, a red-card twist and extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City.
Alexis Mac Allister put the reigning champions in front after 10 minutes, arriving unmarked at a corner delivered by Lionel Messi and heading Argentina into an early lead at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Switzerland did not fold. Breel Embolo had chances either side of half-time, while Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka forced saves as the pressure built. The equaliser finally came in the 67th minute, when Ndoye combined with Ricardo Rodriguez and finished from a tight angle.
But the game turned five minutes later. Leandro Paredes was initially booked for a foul on Embolo, before VAR recommended a review. Referee Joao Pinheiro then showed Embolo a second yellow card for simulation, leaving Switzerland down to 10 men.
Argentina could not finish it in normal time, with Messi and Mac Allister both missing late chances. Switzerland held out through the first half of extra time, but Julian Alvarez changed the picture in the 112th minute with a 25-yard strike into the top corner.
Lautaro Martinez added a third in the 121st minute after Thiago Almada’s effort was saved, sealing Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday at 8pm UK time, with France or Spain waiting in the final. It will be the first competitive meeting between Argentina and England in 24 years, and the pressure is now on.
