Álvarez magic sends Argentina past Switzerland into England semifinal

Argentina survive again, Álvarez delivers

Your team is into the semifinals. Argentina 3–1 Switzerland after extra time, and the scoreline is kinder than the match itself. Switzerland were compact, disciplined, and for long stretches looked like they might take the champions all the way. Then Julián Álvarez produced a moment of magic in extra time to break it open (1) (4) (6). The Spider scored one and created another. When Lautaro Martínez added the third, it was done (12).

Switzerland fuming over Embolo red card

The game flipped on a red card. Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review for an incident involving Leandro Paredes, and Switzerland were furious (2) (5). Coach Murat Yakin called the decision "totally unacceptable" and said his players "are true heroes, they put all their heart into it" (7). Midfielder Freuler demanded FIFA explain the call: "I don't understand how VAR can make that decision" (13).

Messi hits ten assists, a World Cup first

Another record for the greatest. Messi set up a goal to become the first player in World Cup history to reach ten assists (9). He is 39 years old and still finding ways nobody else can.

Flaco López: "I didn't dream of being here"

Flaco López came on in extra time and provided an assist. Afterwards he was emotional: "A few months ago I didn't dream of being here. Now I got to play and give an assist. It's a dream I'm living" (10).

Lautaro: "A beautiful match is coming"

Lautaro Martínez scored the goal that sealed it and could not hide his excitement. "We're among the four best again, it's incredible. A beautiful match is coming" (12). That beautiful match is England, Wednesday in Atlanta (1) (3) (7).

Fan reactions

Fans are already pointing out that these four semifinalists are the top four in the world by both Elo ratings and FIFA rankings. Nobody backed into this. Argentina, Spain, France, and England, the four strongest sides left standing.