England and Argentina both needed extra time to secure their places in the World Cup semi-finals, with Jude Bellingham starring for England and a historic VAR intervention deciding Argentina's match against Switzerland.
Argentina Seal Semi-Final Place After Extra-Time Win
Defending champions Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Switzerland equalised. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored crucial extra-time goals to keep Argentina's title defence alive.
Historic VAR Controversy
The match took a dramatic turn at 1-1 due to an unusual VAR intervention for mistaken identity. Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow card after replay officials discovered he had dived during an incident where Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially penalised. According to match officials, it was the first time VAR had corrected a mistaken identity red card in World Cup history.
England Deny Haaland
England also needed extra time to beat Norway 2-1. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham scored a brace to overturn an early goal from Norway's Andreas Schjelderup. Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker, endured a frustrating goalless afternoon in Miami.
Tuchel Clashes with Media
England head coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly frustrated with his squad's performance despite the victory. After the match, he engaged in a heated televised argument with ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke when the team's mental toughness was questioned. Tuchel said, "We won the game, but the performance was not good enough. We need to be better."
Bellingham Disagrees with Manager
Match hero Jude Bellingham publicly distanced himself from his manager's harsh post-match criticisms. Instead of focusing on negatives, Bellingham praised his teammates. "There's a massive difference between managing a game and actually playing in it," he said. "The boys gave everything. We're in the semi-finals."
Haaland's Father Causes a Scene
Off the pitch, Erling Haaland's father Alfie Haaland made negative headlines after allegedly shouting curses at the field and accusing England's Djed Spence of diving. Witnesses reported that Alfie Haaland was escorted from the stadium area after the incident.
Semi-Final Path Set
The complete World Cup semi-final bracket is now locked. The first heavyweight clash will feature 2018 champions France taking on reigning European champions Spain on July 14. The second semi-final will see England face Argentina in Atlanta on July 15 at 8pm.
