Full-Time: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. The defending world champions will now travel to Atlanta to face England in the semi-final next week.

Switzerland, meanwhile, will be left pondering what might have been if Breel Embolo had not been dismissed earlier in the match.

Goal – Argentina!

Lautaro Martínez sealed the result deep into added time, finishing off a swift counter-attack to confirm Argentina’s passage. The world champions once again left it late to deliver the knockout blow.

Goal – Argentina! A screamer from Julián Álvarez!

The Atlético Madrid forward unleashed a sensational long-range strike that effectively sent Argentina into the next round. No goalkeeper would have been able to reach that thunderous effort.

Switzerland battled valiantly despite being reduced to ten men, showing remarkable resilience, but Argentina’s relentless pressure finally broke them down.

After the first fifteen minutes of extra time, Switzerland somehow held on, though Argentina dominated possession and pressed constantly for an opening. It looked increasingly like a one-sided training drill, with Argentina camped in the Swiss half.

The match went into extra-time after a tense 1-1 draw in normal time. Down to ten men, Switzerland faced a gruelling final thirty minutes in the Kansas City heat.

Lionel Messi had a chance to put Argentina ahead again, but his right-footed shot went wide. Nicolás González also came close, firing a dangerous ball across goal that Alexis Mac Allister blazed over – sparing Switzerland a last-minute heartbreak before extra-time.

Red Card – Switzerland!

In a dramatic twist, Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation. Initially, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul, but VAR ruled that Embolo had dived – resulting in his dismissal under the laws of the game. A real emotional blow for Switzerland.

Goal – Switzerland!

Dan Ndoye equalised for the Swiss following a lovely exchange with Ricardo Rodríguez, finishing sharply from a tight angle to stun the champions. Switzerland’s momentum built steadily, with Ndoye forcing Emiliano Martínez into a fine save with a header soon after.

Despite several promising moves, Argentina’s defence – marshalled by Lisandro Martínez – repeatedly denied the Swiss. One crucial tackle from Martínez prevented a near-certain goal when Ndoye broke free, though the offside flag went up later.

Half-Time: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland

Alexis Mac Allister’s early header, assisted by Lionel Messi from a set-piece, gave Argentina a slender advantage at the interval. The Liverpool midfielder’s goal came inside the opening fifteen minutes after a flurry of corners.

Switzerland’s response before the break was limited. Remo Freuler’s free-kick from a difficult angle went harmlessly wide, and Argentina comfortably managed the tempo, controlling proceedings through possession.

The champions looked comfortable after the first hydration break, yet Switzerland pushed more players forward in a bid to equalise – leaving themselves exposed to Argentina’s counter-attacks.

Argentina’s defensive structure frustrated the Swiss, whose passing sequences often lacked penetration. The champions looked dangerous every time they broke forward through Messi and Mac Allister.

Kick-off!

The match began in Kansas City with Switzerland showing early intent, pressing high and keeping Argentina on the back foot in the opening stages. However, the world champions soon found their rhythm and began to dictate play.

Full-Time: Norway 1-2 England

England completed a comeback victory over Norway in Miami to reach their fourth World Cup semi-final. The Three Lions’ pursuit of ending their sixty-year wait for another world title continues.

Jude Bellingham once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice – including a decisive goal after a rebound – to seal England’s place in the last four.

Norway, who had taken an early lead through Andreas Schjelderup’s brilliant strike, were denied a second goal when VAR ruled out Torbjørn Heggem’s header for a foul by Erling Haaland in the build-up.

England’s resilience shone through. Harry Kane led the line effectively, supported by Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford marked his 18th World Cup appearance – becoming England’s most-capped player in the tournament’s history.

Norway had moments of promise, striking the bar through Kristoffer Ajer and threatening from corners, but England’s defence held firm. Substitute Reece James added fresh energy down the flank, and Djed Spence’s driving run later earned a penalty – though VAR overturned it after review.

As extra-time loomed, Bellingham made the decisive breakthrough, capitalising on sustained pressure to tap in from close range. England saw out the final minutes to claim a 2-1 win and set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina.

With this result, England continue their remarkable run under Thomas Tuchel, who made key tactical switches and substitutions throughout the match to outwit Norway’s disciplined setup led by Martin Ødegaard.

Next stop: Atlanta, where England will face Argentina in a blockbuster semi-final clash.