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.