It didn't dazzle, it didn't dominate, it didn't enjoy, but still Argentina won again. In a match that became more complicated than expected, after drawing 1-1 in regular time, the National Team prevailed 3-1 against Switzerland and secured a ticket to the semifinals, where they will face England.
The match would start with possession for the Swiss team, however, far from getting impatient with the ball, the Albiceleste with their few approaches would take the lead 1-0, thanks to the best of all: Lionel Messi. At 9, the Rosario star would cross from the left corner for Alexis Mac Allister, who would head the national team into the lead.
Despite the goal, the "Rossocrociati" would continue to maintain their dominance, although it wasn't until the 31st that they would get a dangerous chance, with a run from Breel Embolo that Dibu Martínez would timely narrow down to clear.
In the final stretch of the first half, the game would become very cut and frayed, with no clear opportunities for either team. In the second half, Switzerland would continue to be the protagonist, however, beyond a high-risk attack at 49 that almost ended in a goal from Embolo (providentially neutralized by Lisandro Martínez, although it would still be ruled offside), the match would stagnate for several minutes.
Only at the 20th minute of the second half, the Europeans would equalize. Moments after several attempts blocked by Dibu Martínez, Dan Ndoye would finish a great sequence of passes in the area and manage to beat the Argentine goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Although affected by this cold shower, the National Team would receive good news. At 71, Leandro Paredes would receive a yellow card for a foul on Embolo, however, after a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision and for simulation would sanction the Swiss forward, who was already booked, with his second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion.
With a numerical advantage, Lionel Scaloni's team would become a bit bolder and towards the end would generate several chances, such as a one-on-one between Messi and Gregor Kobel at 84 saved by the Swiss goalkeeper, a header from Mac Allister in the small area at 89, a long-range shot from the No. 10 at 91 that would go just wide, and a scissor kick from Licha Martínez deflected by the incoming Lautaro Martínez at 92 cleared by the goalkeeper. Despite all these opportunities, Argentina could not avoid extra time.
In the first extra time, the National Team would continue to besiege their opponent's area with dangerous chances, including a long-range right-footed shot from the incoming Thiago Almada at 95 that would graze the left post, but they still wouldn't get the 2-1.
In the second extra period, the rhythm would be similar to that seen in the last half hour, although this time there would be something different: the goal that secured Argentina's qualification. At 112, the recently entered José López would leave the area to pass to a teammate, finding Julián Álvarez, who would nail it into the right corner.
When it seemed that the final moments of the match would be just about holding on, the Albiceleste would gift one more surprise. At 121, Almada would break on the counter and could not surpass Kobel, however, the rebound would fall to Lautaro, who would seal the victory at 3-1.
With this result, Argentina advanced to the semifinals, where they will face England next Wednesday, July 15 at 20:00 (Argentina time) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
