Julián Álvarez finally snapped his tournament slump in the most spectacular fashion, smashing an unstoppable extra-time rocket to secure a breathless 3-1 quarter-final victory for defending champions Argentina against a 10-man Switzerland.
With the stakes at their absolute highest in Kansas City, the Manchester City star chose the ultimate stage to rediscover his lethal scoring touch, unleashing an absolute thunderbolt that propelled La Albiceleste one step closer to another global glory.
It was indeed a nerve-shredding encounter, but Álvarez’s moment of pure genius delivered the decisive blow, vindicating his manager’s faith and sending Lionel Messi and company marching into the final four with unstoppable momentum.
Heartwarmingly, the South Americans’ stunning 3-1 victory over Switzerland booked for them a semi-final berth against the Three Lions of England who struggled to overcome an enterprising Norway 2-1. The scoreline may have flattered La Albiceleste and their ardent supporters, but the Swiss went blow for blow with them and have reasons to feel aggrieved by the officiating.
Argentina struck first through an unlikely source, despite Switzerland controlling much of the early possession. Lionel Messi delivered a corner, and Alexis Mac Allister – all 5-foot-9 of him – rose to power an emphatic header past Gregor Kobel in the 10th minute.
From there, the match slowed almost to a crawl. La Albiceleste were content to concede possession and invite Switzerland forward, an approach that worked until Dan Ndoye intervened in the 66th minute. Launching a counterattack, the winger exchanged a slick one-two with the overlapping Ricardo Rodríguez and finished the left back’s pinpoint cross to pull Switzerland back on level terms.
From then on, the momentum belonged to the Swiss until a controversial decision dramatically altered the match. Leandro Paredes was initially booked for a challenge on Embolo, but the yellow card was rescinded after a VAR review. Embolo was instead shown a second yellow for simulation, controversially reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Even with the numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to break down a Swiss side that had not trailed during either World Cup qualifying or the tournament itself. The Nati bunkered down and appeared content to take their chances in a penalty shootout. With Switzerland’s defense holding firm, Argentina needed something extraordinary.
Álvarez Enters Fray
The striker, who had failed to score at the tournament after finishing as one of Argentina’s leading scorers in 2022, finally rediscovered his finishing touch in the 112th minute. From the left side, Álvarez unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the top-right corner, stunning a Switzerland team that had otherwise contained Messi and the rest of Argentina’s attack.
The Swiss had no answer. With the clock reaching 120 minutes and Murat Yakin’s side throwing players forward, Argentina added a third on the counter through Lautaro Martínez to complete a flattering 3-1 victory.
