What's happened
Argentina has defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Alvarez scoring the decisive goal in the 112th minute following a red card for Embolo for simulation after a VAR check. Messi assisted a first-half goal,Ndoye equalised for Switzerland. The match went to extra-time where Martinez sealed the win; Argentina advance to face England in Atlanta.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Argentina has shown resilience, overturning a 1-1 in regulation time through late goals.
- The VAR-led decision to dismiss Embolo for simulation has sparked debate about officiating and the use of video review under new rules.
- England looms as the opponents, raising questions about how Argentina will adapt to a higher-energy match against a former finalist.
- Tactical note: Argentina leveraged rapid counter-attacks and set-piece quality to create the decisive moments in extra time.
Predicted next steps: Argentina is likely to pressure England with a high-tempo start; England will look to capitalize on midfield control. Expect intensified scrutiny of refereeing decisions in the semi-final.
How we got here
Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after a hard-fought win over Switzerland, with Messi providing the assist on the opener and Alvarez delivering a late goal in extra time. Embolo was sent off for a second yellow following a VAR review for simulation.
Our analysis
- Al Jazeera: Hafsa Adil; London-based; match report and details on Embolo's red card and VAR usage. - France 24: analysis of the match and implications for semifinals; mentions Messi and Alvarez's goals. - Us: Johannesburg? Not directly cited.
Go deeper
- Will Argentina’s midfield overwhelm England’s press in the semi-final?
- How will VAR rulings influence the next match's officiating?
- Which players will be key for Argentina in Atlanta?
More on these topics
-
Argentina - Country in South America
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the
-
Dan Ndoye - Swiss footballer
Dan Assane Ndoye is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as winger for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Switzerland national team.
-
Lionel Messi - Footballer
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
-
England - Country of the United Kingdom
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by
-
Norway - Country in Europe
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe whose mainland territory comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula; Mainland Norway and the remote island of Jan Mayen as well as the archi
-
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) - Football organization
FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
-
Switzerland - Country in Europe
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
-
Leandro Paredes - Argentine footballer
Leandro Daniel Paredes is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team.
-
Breel Embolo - Footballer
Breel Donald Embolo is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Rennes and the Switzerland national team. Born in Cameroon, Embolo moved with his mother and siblings to France before finally settling in Switzerland.