​How good is Argentina? It hasn’t been pretty, but another escape is giving fans reason to believe. The Sporting News originally ran this piece, and you can add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. In Kansas City, Missouri, the scene after the whistle was loud and lively. The team lingered on the field well past the final whistle, singing with the fans who were in no rush to leave. The players moved from the goal area to the sideline, clapping in unison, then gathered in a circle, jumping up and down together. Argentina’s stars soaked in the moment for about 15 minutes before finally making their way out. Why wouldn’t they? There was joy, and, to be honest, a touch of relief after surviving Switzerland to win 3-1 on Saturday night.
“Survive and advance” is a phrase more commonly heard during March Madness, but in this World Cup it has become the defining path for Argentina as they head to the semifinals against England, extending their winning streak to three straight games as the clear favorite and doing so in nail-biting fashion. The road to the knockout rounds has been dramatic for La Albiceleste.
To recap Argentina’s knockout-stage drama: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2. They survived a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage. Cape Verde didn’t cower before the defending champions, yet Argentina secured the victory only after an own goal in the 111th minute—a late twist that kept their tournament hopes alive. Argentina 3, Egypt 2. They needed a miraculous finish to overturn a two-goal deficit, scoring three times in 13 minutes, with the final goal coming in stoppage time. An Egypt goal was controversially erased after a VAR decision, and there was added drama when Egypt players believed Mohamed Salah should have been awarded a late penalty. The emotion of the moment was palpable, with Lionel Messi’s tears after the win, and his game-tying strike celebrated with a fervor that underscored how much this tournament means to him.
Argentina 3, Switzerland 1. This match did not feature a historic comeback; instead, it required extra time once again to decide the winner. Messi contributed an assist on Argentina’s opening goal but otherwise was relatively quiet for much of the match. It marked his first game of the tournament without scoring, and his first goalless appearance in his last 10 World Cup matches. The decisive moment came from a left-footed stunner by Julián Álvarez in the 112th minute, a strike many fans and pundits considered perhaps the goal of the tournament. Álvarez found space on the left, lined up, and curled the ball into the far right corner, leaving Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel with no chance. Lautaro Martínez added a second nine minutes later to seal the win.
This was a contest in which Argentina wrestled for chances in the second half, even after Breel Embolo’s red card had reduced Switzerland to ten men. The performance, while efficient in extra time, still reflected the ongoing challenges Argentina has faced in turning pressure into consistent scoring throughout a match. Yet, the results have stacked up in a way that keeps the dream alive: Argentina continues to advance, finding a way to win when the margins are thin and the stakes are high.