Argentina and England will meet in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final after both sides came through gripping quarter-final ties that were settled in extra time.
The reigning champions defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1, while England edged Norway 2-1 thanks to another match-winning performance from Jude Bellingham.
Argentina were pushed all the way by a resilient Switzerland side before late goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez finally sealed victory.
Alexis Mac Allister had given Lionel Scaloni's side an early lead, but Dan Ndoye equalised in the second half to leave the holders on the brink of a shock exit. Switzerland's task became even tougher when Breel Embolo was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the 72nd minute.
The Swiss looked set to force penalties before Álvarez curled home a superb strike in the 112th minute. Martínez then wrapped up the win moments later.
"We're used to suffering," Thiago Almada said. "We want to chase glory and put Argentina at the very top."
Scaloni admitted his side had been tested. "We had to suffer a lot... it's a big achievement to be in the semi-finals," he said.
Earlier, England booked their place in the last four with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead before Bellingham equalised just before half-time. The midfielder then scored the winner early in extra time after reacting quickest to a saved effort from Morgan Rogers.
England manager Thomas Tuchel welcomed the result but admitted his side had not been at their best.
"The result is fantastic. We're in the last four. It's amazing, but I'm not happy with the performance," he said. "We were lucky today."
The victories set up one of the standout matches of the tournament, with England facing Lionel Messi and the defending champions for a place in the World Cup final.
The semi-final will take place in Atlanta on Wednesday, with both nations now just one win away from football's biggest match.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade ...
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes ai...
Kyrgyzstan is seeking to boost fuel imports from China as it looks to diversify supplies and reduce the risks of its heavy reliance on Russia....
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.372 million to Armenia between January and July 2026, according to data from the State Customs Committee, as commercial ties between the two South Caucasus neighbours showed signs of expansion.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment