Argentina into the semi finals

2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-final: Argentina 3–1 Switzerland (after extra time)

This was one of Argentina’s toughest tests of the tournament. The defending champions eventually reached the semi-finals, but Switzerland pushed them all the way in a match that remained level after 90 minutes.  

Match summary

• 10’ – Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina into the lead from a Lionel Messi corner.
• 67’ – Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland after a determined second-half display.
• 90 minutes: 1–1, forcing extra time.
• 112’ – Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead with a clinical finish.
• 120+1’ – Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory on the counterattack, making it 3–1.  

Tactical review

Argentina

• Controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break Switzerland’s disciplined defensive block.
• Messi orchestrated attacks and provided the assist for the opening goal, though Switzerland limited his influence for much of the match.
• Scaloni’s substitutes added energy, and Álvarez’s movement proved decisive in extra time.
• The champions showed resilience, even if the performance wasn’t their most convincing.  

Switzerland

• Defended with excellent organization and countered intelligently.
• Granit Xhaka dictated midfield while Ndoye constantly threatened on the break.
• After equalizing, the Swiss looked capable of forcing penalties before tiring in extra time.
• Their World Cup ended with plenty of credit for a courageous display.  

Key performers

⭐ Alexis Mac Allister – Opened the scoring and worked tirelessly in midfield.

⭐ Lionel Messi – Produced the assist for the first goal and remained Argentina’s creative hub.

⭐ Julián Álvarez – Scored the crucial extra-time winner.

⭐ Lautaro Martínez – Clinched the match with the third goal.

⭐ Dan Ndoye – Switzerland’s standout player, scoring the equalizer and causing Argentina problems throughout.  

Match rating

• Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Tactical quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
• Drama: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Overall: 9.5/10

Argentina advanced to the semi-finals, where they are set to face England, while Switzerland departed with their reputation enhanced after pushing the world champions to extra time.  

Courtesy the guardian