Who imagined a simple route forward? If Argentina are to lift this World Cup they will reach the final only after another wild ride. A match that looked routine against Switzerland quickly turned into a familiar story of near-disaster followed by a moment of pure inspiration.

For once the decisive moment did not arrive from Lionel Messi left foot. With the game drifting toward penalties deep in extra time Messi himself had just been denied by Gregor Kobel when the decisive strike arrived. Switzerland failed to clear and substitute Jose Lopez collected on the left before rolling the ball back to Julián Álvarez who had been quiet all evening.

The finish that followed was majestic and perfectly timed, easily the standout goal of the tournament so far. From 22 yards, positioned between the D and the edge of the box, Álvarez curled a swerving shot beyond the dive of Kobel and into the top corner. The strike was spectacular even before its consequences became clear. Argentina will now face England in Wednesday semi-final; four decades after the Hand of God, Messi will finally meet the old rivals in a fixture that carries extra weight.

Perhaps Álvarez had been replaying Sidny Lopes Cabral goal for Cape Verde that almost ended Argentina campaign in the last 32. The two strikes share similarities yet Álvarez effort, struck from further out at a moment of real pressure, stands alone. It also served as a fitting tribute on the day former captain Antonio Rattin passed away aged 89. Lautaro Martinez removed any lingering tension late on by finishing a rebound after Thiago Almada breakaway shot was saved. Messi forward partners, both of whom had been subdued until now, delivered when it mattered most.

Switzerland disappointment was obvious. After Alexis Mac Allister early header beat Kobel the contest slowed to a crawl. Midway through the second half their cautious plan looked like it might work. Dan Ndoye equaliser had been coming and it arrived as a reward for raising the tempo against sluggish opponents. Argentina, who often struggle once they lose control, were suddenly in trouble.

Then Breel Embolo committed an act of folly he will regret for a long time. Already booked in the first half for a heavy challenge on Leandro Paredes, Embolo went down near the touchline under a challenge from the same player. Referee João Pinheiro appeared ready to award a second yellow to Paredes until VAR intervened.

Replays showed Embolo had dived, inviting contact, and the decision was overturned under the mistaken-identity protocol. Paredes caution was removed while Embolo received his second booking for simulation and left the field in tears. Switzerland sensed they had thrown away a rare chance.

Even so, Murat Yakin side produced a determined defensive display that lasted 50 minutes plus stoppage time. Once the second period began they faced sustained pressure. Messi, whose tenth-minute corner had been headed in by unmarked Mac Allister, tried to take charge but was denied by Kobel and later dragged a right-foot effort wide. A brilliant save from Lautaro Martinez forced the game into extra time.

Argentina had looked comfortable after the opener, the rest of the first half largely uneventful apart from Emiliano Martinez smother at Embolo feet. When Switzerland raised the intensity after the break they struggled to cope, with Martínez forced into saves from Ndoye and Granit Xhaka. Ndoye later combined with Ricardo Rodriguez and finished calmly. Argentina needed to respond but penalties loomed as rash challenges increased.

Lionel Scaloni players appeared weary and irritable. Almada struck the side netting and many in the partisan crowd believed the ball had crossed the line. Messi free-kick flew straight into the wall. Instead Álvarez wrote his name into tournament lore. Argentina will need improvement against England, yet when inspiration arrives in such dramatic fashion it may prove decisive once more.