Julián Álvarez scored a memorable World Cup goal as defending champions Argentina defeated a gritty Switzerland to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The striker scored a spectacular long-range goal in the 112th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez sealed the deal with seconds left in extra time. The defending champions will take on Harry Kane-led England in Atlanta for a place in the final.

Alexis Mac Allister also scored off a corner kick from Lionel Messi, helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 earlier in the day.

Messi's nine-game World Cup scoring streak ended, but his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues.

The Swiss had just tied the game on Dan Ndoye's goal in the 67th minute when Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Breel Embolo. But video showed the Swiss player falling before the Argentina midfielder made contact with him, and since Embolo had received a yellow card earlier in the match, he was sent off, leaving Switzerland to defend with 10 players.

It was the second time a yellow card has been overturned using the "mistaken identity" protocol at the World Cup. The rule allows the video assistant referee to intervene when an incorrect player is shown a yellow or red card.

Earlier, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham deposited the go-ahead goal in the third minute of extra time and England hung on for a 2-1 victory over Norway. England, 60 years removed from their only World Cup title, secured just their fourth semi-final berth in history and their second in the past three tournaments.

Norway nearly went ahead 2-1 in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem put a rebound past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after a corner kick. Following a video review, the goal was disallowed because of a foul by Haaland in the box. Haaland was also denied by Pickford on a point-blank header in the first half.

Schjelderup, making just his second start of the tournament, fired a shot that caromed off the right post and into the net to stun an England team that had dominated possession to that point. Bellingham's equaliser from close range elicited a roar from a crowd that included Mick Jagger and England great David Beckham.

Disclaimer: Comments posted here are the sole responsibility of the user and do not reflect the views of THE WEEK. Obscene or offensive remarks against any person, religion, community or nation are punishable under IT rules and may invite legal action.