Key events
Some big-picture thoughts from the mailbag:
“Time is a flat circle in football. France has the look of Brazil ‘02 (a dynamic front 3, possible 3 finals in a row, cruising), Argentina circa ‘90; defending champion being dragged by one man, Spain is 2010 again, possession with a tight defence…and England gives the look of Argie 2022, just trade Jude with Lionel, add a solid structure and depth.” Andrew B
“It looks like the four teams in the semi-finals will be the highest four ranked teams in the world! So why bother having a tournament with 48 teams when we could have saved everyone a bunch of time by just having 8 or 16 at the most? As nice as it was to see some new teams in the World Cup did we really need them?” Luke C
“If Argentina win then the four teams Fifa earmarked to be kept apart until the semi finals will, indeed, be the four semi finalists. Gianni will be so pleased.” Tom H
“It’s hard not to agree with Jonathan Wilson’s article on the huge problems Infantino’s apparent love-in with Trump over Balogan has created within the game. Already it seems England fans are convinced that an Argentina win against Switzerland means the footballing authorities have pre-confirmed a re-run of the last final between Argentina and France. So by such logic English and Spanish fans can look away now. It seems only a Swiss victory can assuage such fears.” Samuel D
From US soccer editor Alex Abnos, who is at Kansas City Stadium for this one:
“It is my extreme displeasure to report that the personal style of Switzerland manager Murat Yakin actually might be the most interesting thing about this game.”
Is Yakin auditioning for a Warby Parker commercial? The role of a Bond villian? A Miami Vice reboot? Wrong answers only.
For most of that first half, Argentina seemed content to let Switzerland keep possession and then wait for their own opportunities on the counter. The dangerous part of that approach, though, is that the longer they hold a 1-0 lead without eagerly chasing another to pad their lead, the more they’re risking Switzerland punching back and all of a sudden making this a much closer game. (See: Cape Verde.)
Half-time: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland
Alexis Mac Allister’s 10th-minute header off a corner-kick by Lionel Messi was the difference in the first 45 minutes of play. Mac Allister’s goal was one of just three shots for the holders in the first half, and they went without an attempt for the next 35 minutes before the whistle, but Argentina still managed to look in control. Switzerland, while holding the advantage in possession, haven’t exactly threatened in return. Murat Yakin may have to turn to his bench for a surge of energy if they want to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
45 + 4 min Ndoye was down briefly after going up for a header, and Pinheiro gives the captains a brief chat about contact as we near the half-time whistle.
45 + 3 min If you’re Switzerland, you feel this game is calling for the attacking talents of Johan Manzambi. It’s unfortunate that the knee injury suffered in training before the Algeria game means he may have already played his last game at this tournament.
45 min Embolo wants a foul called on Lisandro Martinez, but Pinheiro won’t have it. Four minutes of stoppage time.
44 min Paredes goes down on some contact with a sprinting Embolo at midfield, and referee João Pinheiro pulls out his yellow card to issue it to the Swiss player.
43 min … and the free-kick is not on frame. Freuler’s attempt is wide and Argentina will get it back on a goal kick.
43 min Switzerland win a free-kick just outside the penalty box.
41 min Messi tries to drop a ball on the break to Alvarez in a threatening bit of play, but Kobel is able to handle it before the young striker can get a shot off.
40 min Argentina seem content to let Switzerland hold possession and then seek their own opportunities on the counter. La Albiceleste haven’t had a shot since Mac Allister’s goal in the 10th minute.
38 min The Swiss continue to try the long balls over the top, but one from Elvedi goes straight out of bounds instead of to his teammates.
36 min Rieder takes Switzerland’s free-kick from just near the touchline, but Emi Martinez punches it away.
35 min Switzerland win their first corner after Xhaka’s ball over the top toward Rodriguez is tapped out, but the corner attempt is cleared away.
34 min Argentina have looked strong on the counter, but the shakiness at the back that was evident earlier in the knockout stage still seems to be there. That was nice work from both of their defensive Martinezes to stop a chance from Embolo.
32 min Embolo nearly gets a chance on a break, but he makes contact with the ball just as Lisandro Martinez puts him off from the side and Emi Martinez comes sliding out. Embolo couldn’t manage to get a shot off.
30 min Switzerland still have the edge in possession and even touches in the opposition box (7-2) but Sow’s shot right at Martinez remains their lone shot on target.
29 min … but they kick it back to E Martinez.
28 min Xhaka’s sliding tackle on De Paul is ruled a foul and Argentina win a free kick in their own half.
27 min Zakaria sends a nice ball into the box, but it’s immediately pinged away by Argentina defenders.
26 min Hydration break over. Argentina have possession as we restart.
Andy writes: “Although we have Fernet, national tipple of Argentina, for the hydration break, at this hour it has to be a strong coffee.” At this hour (9.25pm) I have opted for a sparkling water. Slightly less exciting than Fernet.
23 min Paredes draws a foul as we head into the first hydration break/advert break/snack break/etc break of the match.
21 min Strong sliding stop from Martinez (this time the center-back, not the keeper) to keep Switzerland from winning a corner.
20 min Sow gets Switzerland’s first quality chance from the top of the box, but his shot is straight at Martinez.
20 min Through the first 20 minutes, Switzerland have the possession advantage (60-40) but it still feels as though Argentina is very much in control.
18 min That was just the fourth goal Switzerland have conceded at this World Cup. Where will their response come from without the injured Johan Manzambi, who has been their primary goal threat at this tournament? That’s the question.
16 min The Swiss go on the break, but they’re stalled in the midfield.
14 min Switzerland are working the ball around their backline, but they have yet to challenge in the opposition box.
13 min That is the fastest goal for Argentina at this World Cup. A tall task for Switzerland has got a bit taller.
Lionel Messi’s corner was perfectly placed to Alexis Mac Allister, who headed it into the top corner. It took a mighty jump for the 5ft 9in (1.76m) midfielder to get through the Swiss defense, but he had the strength to do it. Another assist for Messi, who is up to 10 goal involvements at this tournament.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (10′ Mac Allister)
Messi’s corner finds the head of Mac Allister and Argentina are up!
9 min Messi takes the first corner and it skips off Mac Allister’s head. Another corner incoming.
9 min A patient start from both sides as we approach the 10-minute mark. Loud cheers for Messi’s first few involvements, including a ball off to Mac Allister. Mac Allister’s shot is knocked away for a corner.
