Argentina survive again to book England semifinal

Argentina's rollercoaster World Cup campaign took another dramatic turn as they edged past Switzerland 2-1 in the quarterfinals, securing a semifinal spot against England. The Albiceleste, who had previously been on the receiving end of a stunning 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, looked like they might be headed for another upset when Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead in the 78th minute. However, Julián Álvarez's equalizing strike in the 90+2 minute sent the match into extra time, where the Manchester City forward proved to be the decisive factor once again.

Álvarez's second goal of the game came in the 114th minute, as he pounced on a loose ball in the box to send the Argentine bench into raptures. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players, who had been on the back foot for much of the match. Despite their spirited performance, Switzerland ultimately fell short, with the Swiss team's hopes of a World Cup semifinal appearance ending in heartbreak.

Argentina's victory marked their third consecutive World Cup quarterfinal win, with the Albiceleste now set to face England in the semifinals. The match will be a highly anticipated clash between two of the tournament's top teams, with both sides looking to book a spot in the World Cup final. For Argentina, the semifinal appearance will be a welcome relief after a campaign that has been marred by controversy and inconsistency.

The win also marked a remarkable turnaround for Julián Álvarez, who had struggled to find his footing in the tournament until his crucial equalizing strike in the 90+2 minute. The Manchester City forward's goal cemented his status as one of the World Cup's most unlikely heroes, and his performance will be remembered as one of the tournament's most memorable moments.