BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Argentina endured a gruelling battle against a resilient Switzerland side before finally securing their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a blockbuster last-four showdown with England and Lionel Messi’s first-ever World Cup meeting with the Three Lions.

The South Americans were pushed to their limits by a Swiss team that absorbed relentless pressure and looked set to drag the contest into a penalty shootout.

However, Switzerland’s stubborn resistance was finally broken in the closing moments of extra time, ending their dream run heartbreakingly.

For long periods, the Swiss frustrated Argentina’s array of attacking stars with disciplined defending and remarkable determination.

Time and again they repelled Argentine attacks, forcing the favourites to dig deep in search of a breakthrough.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had been made to suffer.

“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” Scaloni said after the match.

The world champions were aided by the dismissal of a Swiss player during extra time, a turning point that eventually tilted the balance in their favour.

“Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better, but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals,” Scaloni added.

The final whistle produced contrasting scenes of emotion.

Swiss players sank to their knees in despair, embracing one another after seeing their hopes of reaching the last four shattered at the very end. Their courageous display earned admiration, but ultimately no reward.

At the other end of the emotional spectrum, Argentina’s players remained on the pitch long after the match had ended, celebrating with their passionate supporters.

The iconic image of the night belonged to captain Lionel Messi, who removed his shirt and twirled it above his head in front of the jubilant Argentina fans as the reality of another World Cup semi-final appearance sank in.

The victory keeps alive Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup crown they won in Qatar four years ago and moves Messi one step closer to adding another chapter to his extraordinary international career.

Awaiting Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final is an England side that defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time earlier on Saturday.

The encounter will carry an added layer of intrigue, as it will mark the first time Messi has faced England in a FIFA World Cup match.

Scaloni, however, insisted his focus was on the challenge ahead rather than the identity of the opponent.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s England or Norway,” he said before England’s victory over the Scandinavians was confirmed. “We’re going to come up against a team that plays very well and has a great coach.”

That coach is Thomas Tuchel, who has guided England to within two matches of ending their 60-year wait for a second World Cup title.

Now, with Messi’s Argentina standing in their path, football fans around the world can look forward to one of the most anticipated semi-finals of the tournament—a clash between the defending champions and a resurgent England, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

England moved a step closer to ending their 60-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup title after Jude Bellingham inspired the Three Lions to a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in their quarter-final clash at Miami Stadium on Saturday.

The win sends England into the World Cup semi-finals for only the third time since their historic triumph on home soil in 1966 and keeps alive hopes of finally adding a second star to their jersey.

In a contest befitting the occasion, England had to come from behind before Bellingham emerged as the hero with both goals, including the decisive strike in extra time.

Norway, seeking to continue their fairy-tale run led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup. The winger unleashed a fierce effort that crashed in off the far post, leaving the England defence stunned and the Scandinavian supporters in celebration.

England responded when it mattered most.

Deep into first-half added time, Bellingham showcased the composure and quality that have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers. The midfielder glided into the penalty area and fired past two defenders before beating the Norwegian goalkeeper to restore parity at 1-1.

The goal changed the complexion of the match, giving England renewed belief heading into the second half.

Both sides created opportunities after the break, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match moved into extra time.

With penalties looming, Bellingham once again delivered.

In the first half of extra time, the Real Madrid star reacted quickest after a save by the Norwegian goalkeeper, pouncing on the rebound to steer the ball home and complete his match-winning brace.

England then held firm through the remaining minutes to secure a hard-fought victory and book their place among the tournament’s last four.

The two goals took Bellingham’s tally at the tournament to six, drawing him level with captain Harry Kane as England’s joint-leading scorer at the World Cup.

For England manager and supporters alike, the result represents another significant step towards ending decades of World Cup frustration. Since lifting the trophy under Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966, England have reached the semi-finals only twice before, making this latest achievement another landmark moment in their campaign.

Awaiting the Three Lions in the semi-finals will be either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland, who were scheduled to meet later on Saturday.

With Bellingham in inspired form and England continuing to find ways to win, the dream of a first World Cup triumph in six decades remains very much alive.

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes ​the captain will remain the best player in the world for as ‌long as he chooses to keep playing.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals — level with France’s Kylian Mbappe — and inspiring a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round ​of 16.

Against the North Africans, the Argentine talisman — playing in a record sixth ​World Cup — netted once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after ⁠his side trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

The Inter Miami forward, who turned 39 ​last month, arrived in the tournament with questions over his fitness after recently recovering from ​a muscle strain.

“Leo runs more or less the same in every match,” Scaloni said. “Physically, it’s true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach and it has paid off, but in terms ​of numbers I don’t know if he has changed that much.”

“What is clear is ​that he’s giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and senses that he can ‌create ⁠danger, he is a machine,” the coach added.

Scaloni said those expecting age to catch up with Messi did not know the player well enough.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“Maybe people who don’t know him expected that at 39 he wouldn’t be at this level, ​but I don’t know ​how many times ⁠I’ve said it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I’m his ​coach.”

Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni ​praised their ⁠opponents, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.

“There are no easy rivals, we all know that,” Scaloni ⁠said.

“They are ​a very good team. They compete with the best ​national teams and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete. They have World ​Cup tradition, experienced players and are physically strong.”

-Reuters

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