The Argentine masses are delirious – and rightfully so! Julián Álvarez's thunderbolt from 25 yards has sent Lionel Scaloni's squad into the Copa América semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over a gallant 10-man Switzerland. The winner, scored in extra time, was the stuff of dreams, leaving Gregor Kobel grasping at thin air as Álvarez's beauty found the top left corner with just eight minutes remaining.
The match, played under a deep blue Atlanta sky, burst into life within the first 10 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister, that mercurial midfielder, rose to meet Lionel Messi's pinpoint corner and headed it past Kobel to give Argentina an early lead. However, this Swiss side – initially pressing with purpose – showed they wouldn't be intimidated when Dan Ndoye capitalised on a half-chance midway through the second half.
The red card for Breel Embolo, just five minutes after Ndoye's goal, left Switzerland reeling. They were down to 10 men and their challenge was made significantly harder – but not impossible. Argentina struggled to break down this well-organised Swiss defence, with Messi unable to find a breakthrough despite multiple attempts. It seemed the match would be heading for penalties until Álvarez conjured up that moment of magic.
That opening goal for Argentina came from a corner, following a deflected Mac Allister shot. Messi's delivery to the near post found Mac Allister, who headed it past Kobel with ease. Switzerland started the game with intent, attempting to press Argentina and create opportunities – Djibril Sow and Ndoye made their presence felt in those early exchanges. But Mac Allister's early goal seemed to dampen their initial momentum, making the first half largely a controlled affair for Argentina.
The second half was a different story. Switzerland increased the tempo as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Ndoye's leveller reignited the contest, and for a while it looked like we'd be heading for penalties. But Embolo's dismissal complicated their efforts – Argentina then sought a second goal, with Nahuel Molina dragging a shot wide and Álvarez having an attempt deflected before his eventual extra-time winner sealed their progression.