The echoes of regret from Kansas City will likely surpass those felt in São Paulo. Much like their Round of 16 encounter twelve years prior, Switzerland once again succumbed to Argentina’s prowess after an extraordinary display of resilience.
Late goals from Julian Alvarez (112th minute) and Lautaro Martinez (120th+1 minute) ultimately sealed the fate of a Swiss side that truly seemed capable of advancing, were it not for an improbable turn of events: Embolo’s sending off, which occurred immediately after Dan Ndoye’s equalizer in the 67th minute. At that moment, it appeared Switzerland was poised to overturn Argentina’s lead. Yet, the Albiceleste, ever the resilient force, continues its pursuit of a second consecutive title.
Long before this cruel conclusion, Switzerland had initiated the match with promising intent. However, after just ten minutes, Argentina had already taken the lead. The architect? Lionel Messi, whose perfectly struck corner found the head of Alexis Mac Allister. Djibril Sow, starting under Murat Yakin, was mere centimeters from preventing the Argentine midfielder from beating Gregor Kobel (10th minute).
Switzerland asserted dominance
Still without Johan Manzambi, Yakin’s squad initially appeared as offensively muted as they had been in their Round of 16 clash against Colombia. By halftime, they registered only a single shot on target despite enjoying clear periods of possession: a strike from Sow just outside the box, which Emiliano Martinez comfortably gathered (20th minute). The sole genuine threat to the Albiceleste came from a push by Lisandro Martinez on Embolo’s back, which went unpunished by a penalty (31st minute).
Everything shifted after the break, with Switzerland emerging more adventurous, overtly dominant, and finally dangerous. Exploiting the spaces left by the Argentinians, they began to test Martinez’s reflexes. First, with two Embolo headers well saved by the Argentine goalkeeper (60th/65th minutes), followed by a powerful low shot from Xhaka (66th minute).
The breakthrough eventually came from Dan Ndoye. Supplied by Xhaka on the left, the Vaudois player combined seamlessly with Ricardo Rodriguez. A quick one-two later, he expertly slotted the ball past Martinez with his right foot (67th minute). Switzerland had deservedly equalized.
Embolo’s emotional departure
But just as momentum favored them, a stroke of misfortune clipped their wings. The play seemed innocuous: at midfield, Embolo fell after a challenge from Leandro Paredes, and the Argentinian received a caution. However, the Basle striker’s simulation, initiating his dive before contact, did not escape VAR’s scrutiny. The video assistant referee, now empowered to alert the on-field official when a yellow card has been incorrectly issued, prompted Mr. Pinheiro to review his decision. The referee subsequently rescinded Paredes’ yellow and instead penalized Embolo for simulation. Crucially, the number 7 had already been cautioned before halftime, leading to a second yellow and an immediate red card.
Devastated, Embolo departed the pitch in tears, consoled by his teammates. The red card was particularly harsh given that Amdouni was in the process of removing his bib, likely preparing to replace him. But the substitution never materialized, leaving Switzerland to finish the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, they heroically held on for another 30 minutes, regrouping in a 5-3-1 formation to force extra time. Argentina, meanwhile, had two significant opportunities: a right-footed shot from Messi that narrowly missed Kobel’s post (90th+2 minute) and another effort from Lisandro Martinez well saved by the Swiss goalkeeper (90th+9 minute).
Alvarez ignites the stadium
Switzerland’s heroic stand continued for another 25 minutes into extra time before they finally cracked. It took a magnificent goal from Julian Alvarez to beat Kobel, who had brilliantly delayed the inevitable until then. Alvarez sensationally struck the ball into the Swiss top corner, sending tens of thousands of Argentine supporters into raptures and shattering the dreams of an entire nation. Martinez then added a third goal on a final counter-attack.
Nevertheless, the overall assessment for this Swiss team remains remarkably positive. They achieved their stated objective: to deliver their best-ever World Cup performance. Reaching the quarter-finals by winning two knockout matches was an unprecedented feat for them. The next, equally challenging, step will be to maintain their position within the global top-8.
