It's a case of déjà vu for Argentina as they edged past Switzerland 3-1 in extra-time, booking a World Cup semi-final showdown with England. But beneath the surface, it was a performance that raised more questions than answers – a jarring mix of brilliance and blemishes that will leave fans on tenterhooks ahead of what promises to be an epic encounter.
The match, played in front of a raucous crowd at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, saw Argentina take the lead through an early Alexis Mac Allister header from Lionel Messi's corner. But Switzerland, making their first quarter-final appearance in 72 years, were far from intimidated – and they hit back with a stunning equaliser courtesy of Dan Ndoye, who outmuscled Nahuel Molina to slide the ball past Emi Martinez.
Switzerland looked poised to pull off the shock of the tournament until Breel Embolo was sent off for diving, reducing their numbers and forcing them into a defensive shell. But despite being down to ten men, Argentina struggled to find their rhythm – Lionel Messi, usually their golden goose, enduring an uncharacteristically quiet evening as his side's creativity dried up.
It took a moment of individual brilliance from Julian Alvarez to break the deadlock in extra-time, a stunning strike into the top corner that sent the Argentine bench into raptures. Lautaro Martinez then sealed the win with a second goal in the 121st minute, following up on Thiago Almada's blocked shot.
Argentina's route to this stage has been far from straightforward – they've twice gone to extra time and conceded five goals along the way. But it's their defensive fragilities that will give England manager Thomas Tuchel sleepless nights ahead of their semi-final showdown. Can the reigning champions overcome their flaws and prove their mettle against a resurgent England side? Only time will tell.