Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12
Argentina Beats Switzerland 3-1 to Reach World Cup Semis as Embolo Red Card Sparks Row
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12

Argentina Beats Switzerland 3-1 to Reach World Cup Semis as Embolo Red Card Sparks Row

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12

Summary

  • Julian Alvarez’s 112th-minute curler and Lautaro Martinez’s late finish sent Argentina past Switzerland 3-1 after Dan Ndoye had erased Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener.
  • The match turned in the 72nd minute when VAR overturned Leandro Paredes’ booking and sent off Breel Embolo for simulation under a 'mistaken identity' review.
  • Lionel Messi did not score for the first time this tournament but supplied his 10th World Cup assist, with Mac Allister heading in his corner inside 10 minutes.
  • Switzerland had exposed Argentina before the dismissal, and even with an extra man the holders looked vulnerable ahead of a semi-final against England on Wednesday.

Insights

Can Switzerland's injury-hit squad finally break its winless curse against the reigning world champions?
Are Argentina's narrow wins a sign of champion's grit or a team on the verge of collapse?
At 39, can a fatigued Lionel Messi carry Argentina to another World Cup final?