Argentina join England, Spain and France as the top four teams entering the tournaments by FIFA rankings make the semifinals


Getty Images

Have yourself a day, Julian Alvarez. The Argentine forward pushed his team into the semifinals of the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time in Kansas City. It was a hard-fought match, but one where, again, Argentina did enough to survive and advance even when Lionel Messi's scoring streak came to an end during this World Cup. The South American side went ahead thanks to a set-piece goal from Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute. Switzerland defended well and equalized in the 67th minute. And then came the moment of the match, a controversial second yellow card to Breel Embolo for simulation, following a VAR review.

Initially, Embolo went down from what seemed like a challenge, but it was deemed to be simulation after a VAR review, meaning he received a yellow as a penalty. Since it was his second yellow card, it left Switzerland down a man from the 72nd minute on. While Argentina weren't able to get it done in regulation, having 30 more minutes of soccer up a man was plenty to ensure that they'd book a place in the next round of the World Cup, even without Messi's heroics. The VAR review was yet another controversial moment about the spirit of when VAR should be enacted, but based on the current rules during the World Cup, it was simulation despite the fact that if a foul was called on the pitch. It may not have been one that rose to the level of a second yellow card.

Then, in extra time, Alvarez scored a beautiful curler in the 112th minute, followed by Lautaro Martinez scoring the insurance goal to ice it. Argentina will now face England in the semifinals, ensuring that the top four in the FIFA rankings will also end up being the four semifinalists for the World Cup. This will be the first time that Argentina and England have met in the World Cup since 2002, and the stakes couldn't be much higher with a place in the World Cup final on the line. That game was before the time of Messi, who didn't make his debut for the national team until 2005, and the rest is history.

Argentina haven't been at their best during the knockouts, scoring eight goals and conceding five while going to extra time twice. The wings were weak again, with Dan Ndoye scoring Switzerland's sole goal in the game, and similar issues against England will create issues as the Three Lions dream of a spot in the final.

Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are wingers who can make things happen, and with how Argentina have defended, despite their success so far during the tournament, too much will be on the shoulders of Messi. The bright side of this match is that Messi only netted an assist, but they were able to win, and it's something that could bode well. Attack England with more than one attacker, and they'll also concede chances, which will make for an excellent semifinal on July 15 in Atlanta.

Source