Argentina's Scaloni after Semifinal Qualification: "We Suffered"

Argentina keeps its chance for a World Cup title defense alive!

The "Albiceleste" battled their way through to the quarterfinals against Switzerland on Sunday night (Match Report >>>).

The world's number one ranked team had to go to extra time against the Swiss. Julian Alvarez had virtually decided the match with his stunning goal in the 112th minute and was named Player of the Match by FIFA. Lautaro Martinez sealed the 3-1 victory (120+1).

Argentina Decides Game Late Again

Superstar Lionel Messi did not get on the scoresheet – for the first time in the tournament. However, it wasn't entirely without the veteran. "La Pulga" provided the assist for Alexis MacAllister's opening goal from a corner.

The match progression then unfolded similarly to previous games against perceived underdogs Cape Verde, which also went into extra time, and Egypt, which saw a late comeback: Argentina did not dominate the match but rather allowed their opponent to grow into the game.

The Swiss managed to equalize through Dan Ndoye (67th minute), but then weakened themselves shortly after. Breel Embolo was guilty of an unnecessary dive, which was only recognized as such by VAR. The yellow card went from Leandro Paredes to Embolo, who had already been booked and was consequently sent off with a second yellow.

Suffering and Fortune

Against ten Swiss players, Argentina then long sought the breakthrough before Alvarez brought the decisive goal.

"We suffered today, and we knew the Swiss would cause us difficulties," said Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni after the match.

"We were fortunate today to have pulled it off," said the 2022 World Cup-winning coach, who called the semifinal qualification "historic." At the same time, he emphasized: "We can play better."

Their next opponent will be England on Wednesday (July 15, 9:00 PM). Messi will face the "Three Lions" for the first time in his long career.

Switzerland Showed Heart

For the Swiss, disappointment and pride were close together after the final whistle.

"I'm proud of the team that we fought for so long and gave everything until the end," said goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

The Swiss had reached a World Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 1954. "We were in a great flow. We showed heart. It hurts now, of course," Kobel said about missing out on the semifinals.

The BVB goalkeeper continued: "The way we fought, it feels unfair that we didn't even get a chance at a penalty shootout. But that's football."