Alvarez, Martinez send Argentina into World Cup semifinals

Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory over 10-man Switzerland in extra time. The win keeps their hopes of defending the title alive and sets up a significant clash with England in the final four.

Alexis Mac Allister put the defending champions ahead early in the match, nodding home a corner from Lionel Messi. However, Switzerland, who had impressed throughout the tournament, fought back. Dan Ndoye scored the equalizer with a shot from a tight angle, leveling the score and pushing the match towards a tense conclusion.

The game took a critical turn when Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow card with 18 minutes remaining in normal time. Despite playing with a man down, Switzerland held firm, forcing the match into extra time.

In the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a spectacular curling effort into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance. Substitute Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory nine minutes later, firing home from close range after his teammate Thiago Almada's attempt was blocked. Argentina will now prepare to face England, who defeated Norway 2-1 in their quarter-final match.