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Alvarez's 112th-minute goal helps lift Argentina past Switzerland 3-1 and into World Cup semifinals
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Alexis Mac Allister also scored off a corner kick from Lionel Messi, helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 earlier in the day.
Messi's nine-game World Cup scoring streak ended, but his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues.
The game swung in the second half on a call sure to rile up critics who believe Argentina has been favored in this tournament.
The Swiss had just tied the game on Dan Ndoye's goal in the 67th minute when Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Breel Embolo. But video showed the Swiss player falling before the Argentina midfielder made contact with him, and since Embolo received a yellow card earlier in the match, he was sent off and Switzerland left to defend with 10 players.
It was the second time a yellow card has been overturned using the "mistaken identity" protocol at the World Cup. The rule allows the video assistant referee to intervene when an incorrect player is shown a yellow or red card.
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− Sports Alvarez's 112th-minute goal helps lift Argentina past Switzerland 3-1 and into World Cup semifinals July 12, 202612:10 AM ET By
The Associated Press
Argentina's Julian Alvarez (9) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match against Switzerland in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 11, 2026.
+ Sports Alvarez's 112th-minute goal helps lift Argentina past Switzerland 3-1 and into World Cup semifinals July 12, 202612:10 AM ET By
The Associated Press
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister, center, celebrates scoring their first goal with Lionel Messi during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 11, 2026.
− Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
+ Abbie Parr/AP hide caption
KANSAS CITY, Mo.