Argentina are set to play England in a FIFA World Cup blockbuster semi-final clash after a dramatic quarter-final match.
Lionel Scaloni’s men secured their place in the final four after beating ten-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with goals in the second half of extra time by Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez giving Argentina the victory, after their opening lead given by Alexis Mac Allister was cancelled out by Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye.
Mac Allister gave his nation the lead within ten minutes after he powered home a header from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland responded with a second-half equalizer through Ndoye.
Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after VAR’s decision of simulation, which saw the striker sent off. Nevertheless, the Argentine men could not capitalize, and after extra time, Julian Alvarez fired them into the lead before Martinez cemented their semi-final spot.
While it ended a remarkable streak for Messi, after scoring in nine consecutive World Cups, it also was his tenth assist of all time at a World Cup, setting new records for the number of assists at the tournament since 1966.
It was a much closer call for England, who, after also going into extra time against Norway with a 2-1 win, will also progress to the next round.
England have their inspiration, Jude Bellingham, to thank once again as Andreas Schjelderup’s effort put the Norwegians in the lead, only for Bellingham to answer before the interval.
There were a lot of controversial decisions, including two offside calls from Harry Kane’s goal and another disallowed goal from the Norwegians. However, just three minutes into extra time, with the possibility of a penalty shoot-out just around the corner, the young Englishman pounced again, getting his side to a winning stage after a rebounded shot.
This made it Bellingham’s fifth non-penalty goal of the World Cup, making it a great tournament campaign to date.
Argentina and England are set to meet on July 15th in an encounter to make the World Cup final.
