World Cup: Argentina make it through, but there are concerns

Julian Alvarez (9) celebrates after scoring a goal with teammates during the quarter-final against Switzerland. (AP photo) From Buenos Aires to Bangladesh, there was an explosion of euphoria – Saturday night or Sunday morning, depending on where you sat. The dream of Argentina’s “repeat” was still alive when Julian Alvarez’s curler deep into extra time beat the outstretched hands of Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to find the far corner. Lautaro Martinez added one more in added time and a 3-1 victory set up a semi-final against England that will have famous historical undercurrents.But just as Germany’s Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel said they were “lucky to win” against Norway, the die-hard Argentinians will know deep down that they escaped.Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s header from Messi’s corner, but the second half started very differently. The Swiss began to boss the midfield as Argentina’s defense continued to collapse. And when winger Dan Ndoye’s equalizer came in the 67th minute, the culmination of a brilliant save, Argentina’s worldwide fan base was worried.In their last two narrow wins against Cabo Verde and Egypt, the three-time champions kept it up late but were never second best on the pitch. But in Dallas, for 20 minutes of the second half, the defending champions seemed to be chasing shadows against a well-rounded European outfit.It was until Swiss striker Embolo’s brain fade in the 72nd minute that brought it all down for a European team playing in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. Already on yellow, Embolo had gone to the ground needlessly in an attempt to draw a card for Leandro Paredes, but VAR identified a simulation that led to his dismissal.He was upset, the Swiss were stunned, social media was furious, but there was no denying that according to the letter of the law. It was a simulation on Embolo’s part and the Portuguese referee had the right to give him his marching orders.After that, the game changed completely. For the Swiss, it was a matter of survival for nearly 50 minutes with 10 men as they defended with two lines of four. Argentina were attacking well, but even this phase of the game was not exactly inspiring from their point of view.The passing was slow, the crosses unimaginative and even Leo Messi, by his own galactic standards, was a bit off. He missed one sitter who was adjudged offside but would be overturned by VAR, while another right-footer narrowly missed the mark after dropping his shoulders. Other than that, there wasn’t much to write home about as Manuel Akanji & Co. defended Argentina’s attacks with a degree of ease.But then it always helps to have the magic dust of talent up your sleeve. There is a reason why Europe’s top clubs, led by FC Barcelona, ​​are in a bidding war for Alvarez, who is expected to replace departing Polish poacher Robert Lewandowski for the Catalan giants after the World Cup.A shot of such pure quality, the 26-year-old combining power and precision as Trionda whizzed through the evening air and hit the back of Kobel’s net. Although it was the superstar’s first time at this World Cup, the goal will find its place in Argentine folklore if the Albiceleste make history next Sunday.But for now England stand in the way, a gritty unit showing glimpses of their late 1980s and early 1990s selves. In Jude Bellingham, they have a Paul Gascoigne figure who can marshal the midfield and lock down an open defence. And it’s a given that they won’t give Argentina an inch in Atlanta on Wednesday. There is also the small matter of the 40-year-old injured, and England may like to believe that revenge on Messi’s Argentina will finally bury the ghosts of the “Hand of God” that have haunted them for generations.