Argentina Downs 10-Man Switzerland in Extra Time to Set Up England Semifinal
Julián Álvarez's late strike sends holders through, but the reported cause of Switzerland's red card remains in question
Argentina reached the World Cup semifinals with a dramatic extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland, setting up a blockbuster clash with England, while Spain and France advanced to meet each other in Dallas in the tournament's other final-four matchup.
Julián Álvarez scored the decisive goal in extra time to lift Argentina past Switzerland 3-1 in a match played in Kansas City, according to the BBC. Álvarez called the goal a "huge release" of emotions, ESPN reported, after his supporting cast stepped up while Switzerland's defense largely muted captain Lionel Messi.
Switzerland played the closing stages of the match a man down after Breel Embolo was sent off following a video review, according to the BBC and Al Jazeera. Both outlets reported that the dismissal was tied to a simulation, or diving, call — an account that is difficult to square with the laws of the game, since simulation is ordinarily punished with a caution rather than a send-off. That discrepancy could not be resolved with the sourcing available, and readers should treat the stated reason for the red card with caution even as the outcome — Switzerland finishing the match with 10 men — is not in dispute. Al Jazeera additionally reported that officials worked through the tournament's mistaken-identity protocol to confirm which player had committed the offense, and ESPN reported that Swiss players were left furious by the decision.
Argentina's win sets up a semifinal meeting with England, according to Fox News and the BBC, in a rematch of past tournament heavyweights. In the other semifinal, France and Kylian Mbappé will face Spain and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in Dallas, Al Jazeera reported.
— Compiled from reporting by the BBC, ESPN, Al Jazeera and Fox News. Editor's note: Reporting on the specific rationale for Switzerland's red card was inconsistent with standard football regulations regarding simulation, and could not be independently verified; the claim is presented above with that caveat.