Argentina's dream lives on: Alvarez extra-time goal sinks Switzerland and sends La Albiceleste to World Cup semis

The roar of over 40,000 Argentine fans filled Arrowhead Stadium as their World Cup dream remained alive, even if the team's performance was far from its best. Players collapsed on the field, some in tears, others looking to the sky in relief after Julián Álvarez's unforgettable strike in extra time secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland. The defending champions once again found a way to win, demonstrating resilience despite lacking fluency and ideas for much of the match.

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The champion who never gives up did it again. Without showing his best football, without ideas, with anguish and with a crowd that accompanied until the last second to keep dreaming once more.

Argentina's path to the semifinals was not smooth. They secured a 1-0 lead early in the match with a header from Alexis Mac Allister following a Lionel Messi corner, marking their fifth goal from a set piece. However, after taking the lead, Argentina adopted a passive stance, often relinquishing possession and failing to create clear chances. This cautious approach, coupled with a shaky defense, left them vulnerable, especially in the first half.

Lionel Scaloni's team struggled to find rhythm, often resorting to long passes aimed at Messi and Julián Álvarez. While Messi provided moments of brilliance that excited the crowd, the team's overall play was slow and predictable. The Swiss, who had been unbeaten in the competition, started the match as the better side, controlling possession and creating opportunities before Mac Allister's goal. The team's reliance on Messi was apparent, a habit that has persisted throughout the tournament.

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The euphoria for reaching the semifinals does not suffice to hide another uninspired performance by Argentina.

Despite the unconvincing performance, Argentina's victory propels them into the final four for the seventh time in the competition's history. Their next challenge will be against England. The team's ability to overcome adversity and secure results, even without playing at their peak, highlights their fighting spirit. However, the recurring pattern of struggling in knockout matches and over-relying on individual brilliance raises questions about their ability to go all the way.

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In a game of low flight, set pieces were once again a lethal weapon for Lionel Scaloni's team: Alexis Mac Allister's header, after a Lionel Messi corner, was the fifth goal scored in this manner.