Argentina outlast 10-man Switzerland in FIFA World Cup extra-time thriller

Lionel Scaloni's men made an electric start and wasted little time asserting themselves. Their positive approach paid dividends after just ten minutes when talisman Lionel Messi whipped a dangerous corner into the penalty area and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to glance a header beyond Swiss stopper Gregor Kobel into the far corner.

Switzerland's first meaningful attempt came through Djibril Sow, whose fierce drive from distance was comfortably gathered by Emiliano Martinez.

As the first half wore on, the men in red grew in confidence. Breel Embolo almost capitalised on a perfectly weighted through ball from Dan Ndoye, but Martinez reacted quickly by racing off his line to dispossess the striker just outside the area.

That opportunity sparked Switzerland into life. The Rossocrociati enjoyed more possession and pushed higher up the pitch, while Argentina became more conservative, preferring to absorb pressure and counter. Despite their bright start, the South Americans failed to register another effort on goal before the break.

The second stanza resumed in similar fashion, with the Swiss seemingly laying seige on the Argetntine penalty area. Lisandro Martinez produced an outstanding recovery challenge to deny Ndoye. Then goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez twice came to Argentina's rescue to keep out Embolo and Granit Xhaka, but the resistance was finally broken in the 67th minute. Ndoye exchanged passes neatly with Ricardo Rodriguez before calmly sliding his finish underneath the advancing Martinez to level the scores.

But the Swiss celebrations proved short-lived. Just five minutes later, Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation near the halfway line. Replays clearly showed the forward diving near the halfway line without being touched.

The red card  swung momentum back to Argentina, where it stayed until the final whistle. Messi curled an effort narrowly wide before Kobel produced a fine save to deny Martinez's overhead kick, sending the match into extra time.

Argentina continued to dominate after the restart. Thiago Almada struck the side-netting before Kobel again frustrated Messi with another excellent save.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez cut inside from the left and unleashed a superb curling 25-yard strike into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine supporters.

Switzerland committed bodies forward in search of another equaliser in the dying embers, but Lautaro Martinez reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area to score from close range and seal the win.

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham brace fires England past Norway, into FIFA World Cup semi-finals