Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 12
Argentina, England Reach World Cup Semis With 3-1 and 2-1 Wins as Officiating Disputes Erupt
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 12

Argentina, England Reach World Cup Semis With 3-1 and 2-1 Wins as Officiating Disputes Erupt

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 12

Summary

  • Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 and England edged Norway 2-1 after extra time, setting up a World Cup semifinal between the two winners.
  • Julián Álvarez’s brace carried Argentina after Breel Embolo’s second yellow for simulation triggered a major debate over FIFA’s new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol and whether yellow cards should be reviewable.
  • England’s win brought a second controversy: Erling Haaland had a go-ahead goal ruled out for a soft foul, and Jude Bellingham’s equalizer was later clouded by claims a goal kick hit an overhead skycam cable despite FIFA sensor data denying it.
  • The quarterfinal chaos now feeds into a high-voltage semifinal slate, with Spain facing France and England meeting defending champion Argentina for a place in the final.

Insights

Can Switzerland's injury-hit squad finally break its winless curse against the reigning world champions?
Are Argentina's narrow wins a sign of champion's grit or a team on the verge of collapse?
At 39, can a fatigued Lionel Messi carry Argentina to another World Cup final?