Last-minute celebrations and the world champions’ royal return were once again at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. After a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, 10-man Switzerland held Argentina to a bloody wall for 113 minutes of extra time. Just as everyone was anxiously awaiting the penalty shootout, Alvarez and Lautaro scored.
\nThe Atletico Madrid forward, who has been inconsistent throughout the tournament and has been in the starting XI, put the Albiceleste 2-1 up with a dazzling rocket shot from 25 yards in the 114th minute. Then, Lautaro Martinez put the final nail in the coffin in the final moments of extra time. Lionel Messi’s Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
\nToday’s epic victory will set up a World Cup semi-final against arch-rivals England. Earlier, Argentina had taken the lead in the first half with Mac Allister heading in from a Messi corner in the 10th minute, but Switzerland equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndo. The Swiss were reduced to 10 men when Brill Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute. But Scaloni’s side had to work hard to break down the Swiss fortress of 10 men until the first half of extra time. Finally, Alvarez’s incredible long-range goal from 25 yards in the 114th minute sent millions of Argentine fans in Kansas City into a frenzy. Just before the final whistle, Lautaro Martinez capitalised on a Swiss all-out attack to score the decisive goal to secure a 3-1 victory. The dramatic victory kept Argentina’s dream of winning the World Cup alive and Scaloni’s team now embark on a new mission to beat England in Kansas City and at MetLife Stadium in New York to secure their ticket to the final.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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