Messi's dream of retaining the trophy continues, Argentina "breaks" Switzerland in extra time and goes to the semifinals!

2026-07-12 08:26:59Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Argentina is the next semi-finalist of the 2026 World Cup, after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a dramatic quarter-final held in Kansas City.

The reigning champions started the match in the best possible way and took the lead in the 10th minute.

After a corner kick taken by Lionel Messi, Alexis Mac Allister broke into the area and headed the ball into the net for 1-0.

Switzerland reacted in the second half and managed to equalize in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who scored a beautiful goal with an arched shot from a tight angle, bringing the excitement back to the challenge.

Just five minutes later, the Swiss were one man down. Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after VAR ruled out foul play in the area, leaving his team with ten men.

Although numerically inferior, Switzerland resisted until the end of regular time and took the match to extra time, where it seemed that everything was heading towards penalties.

But in the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez showed his class with a spectacular shot from distance, sending the ball into the triangle and restoring the advantage for Argentina.

In the final seconds of the match, in the 121st minute, Lautaro Martínez sealed qualification with the third goal, ending Switzerland's dream.

With this victory, Argentina continues its defense of the world title and secures a place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, where it will face England.

RESULT:

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Mac Allister 10', Alvarez 112', Lautaro 120+1' / Ndoye 67'


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