Argentina booked a World Cup semi-final against England after a frantic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading in a Lionel Messi corner. Dan Ndoye equalised late in the second half to keep alive Swiss hopes of a first World Cup semi-final appearance, but the match turned on a chaotic sequence just before full time.

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half after a VAR check led to a second yellow card for simulation.

In the 72nd minute, Leandro Paredes appeared to catch the heel of Embolo. The referee initially issued a yellow card to Paredes for the challenge.

Play was then halted and a VAR check began to review the decision. Upon review, the referee determined there was no contact and the Swiss forward had simulated the sequence to win a foul.

The referee subsequently cancelled the yellow card initially assessed to Paredes. Since Embolo had already received a yellow card in the first half, the second yellow resulted in a red card.

Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead in the 94th minute and Lautaro Martínez sealed the result with a third goal in the 121st minute, firing the defending champions into the last four.

Argentina will face England in Atlanta on Thursday. England defeated Norway 2-1 on early Sunday to secure their place.