First Half Action and Early Lead
The World Cup 2026 quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City saw an early lead for Argentina. Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 10th minute with a header from a corner kick delivered by Lionel Messi. This goal was one of only three shots for Argentina in the first half, and they did not register another attempt for the subsequent 35 minutes before the half-time whistle.
Despite holding the advantage in possession, Switzerland did not pose a significant threat in the initial period. Argentina appeared to maintain control throughout the first half, content to allow Switzerland possession while waiting for counter-attacking opportunities.
Second Half Drama and Equaliser
The second half brought increased intensity, with Switzerland beginning to apply more pressure on the Argentinian defence. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez made several key saves, including batting away a header from Dan Ndoye and diving to his left to save a long-range shot from Xhaka.
The Swiss efforts paid off in the 68th minute when Dan Ndoye scored the equaliser. Ndoye engaged in a combination play with Ricardo Rodriguez before cutting in from the left and striking the ball low past Martinez, levelling the score at 1-1. This goal came after a period where Switzerland had looked increasingly dangerous.
Following the equaliser, the match saw a significant turn of events. Breel Embolo of Switzerland received a red card after a VAR review. Initially, Paredes of Argentina was shown a yellow card for what appeared to be a harsh tackle on Embolo. However, replays suggested Embolo had simulated the foul. The yellow card for Paredes was rescinded, and Embolo was instead booked for simulation. As Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier in the first half, this second booking resulted in a red card, leaving Switzerland to play with 10 men.
The sending-off of Embolo occurred during a dramatic eight-minute period that began with Switzerland’s equaliser in the 67th minute. A hydration break followed, allowing both teams to regroup after the intense sequence of events.
Late Game Pressure and Extra Time
With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina intensified their search for a winning goal. Lionel Messi nearly secured a late winner in stoppage time, cutting onto his right foot at the top of the box and sending a shot just wide of the right post. Argentina also made substitutions, bringing on Nico Gonzalez for Nicolas Tagliafico, and later Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel for Rodrigo de Paul and Nahuel Molina.
Switzerland also made triple substitutions, with Silvan Widmer, Zeki Amdouni, and Miro Muheim replacing Djibril Sow, Dan Ndoye, and Fabian Rieder to bring fresh legs into the game. Later, Eray Comert was brought on for Ricardo Rodriguez to reinforce the defence.
Despite Argentina’s pressure and several dangerous moments, including a cross from Messi that led to an acrobatic volley from Lisandro Martinez, the 10-man Swiss side held firm. The match ultimately went into extra time, with the score remaining 1-1 after regulation play.
Source: theguardian.com