FIFA World Cup 2026- England , Argentina script hard earned wins to set up semi final clash

 


England & Argentina scripted hard earned extra time  wins vs Norway & Switzerland respectively to set up a box office  semi final  clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Bellingham double strike helped England to get past a dangerous  Norway while Argentina struck twice in extra time to dash Swiss hopes 


England 2–1 Norway (after extra time)

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2–1 extra-time victory over Norway in a gripping quarter-final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Played in oppressive heat and humidity, the contest was a fierce tactical battle that saw Norway push England to the limit before Jude Bellingham once again emerged as the hero with both goals. The victory sent the Three Lions into the last four, where they will face defending champions Argentina. 


Norway made the brighter start and deservedly went ahead in the 36th minute. A defensive mix-up in the England backline allowed Andreas Schjelderup to seize possession inside the penalty area, and his shot took a slight deflection before beating Jordan Pickford to give the Scandinavians a 1–0 lead. Norway almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but another effort was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland in the build-up. England gradually found their rhythm and equalised in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+2nd minute, Jude Bellingham collected the ball just outside the box, surged past two defenders and calmly slotted a low finish into the bottom corner to restore parity before the interval. 


The second half was played at a frantic pace, with Norway creating several dangerous opportunities through Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. England also threatened through Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, but Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced outstanding stops to force extra time. 


England struck the decisive blow almost immediately after extra time began. In the 93rd minute, Morgan Rogers fired in a powerful effort that Nyland could only spill into the path of Jude Bellingham, who reacted quickest to sweep the loose ball into the net from close range. Norway threw everything forward during the remainder of extra time, but England's defence stood firm, with Haaland well contained before being substituted. The final whistle confirmed England's dramatic victory and another semi-final appearance, with Bellingham's brace once again proving decisive. 


Goals

Norway 1–0: Andreas Schjelderup (36')

England 1–1: Jude Bellingham (45+2')

England 2–1: Jude Bellingham (93', extra time) 


Argentina 3–1 Switzerland (after extra time)

Defending champions Argentina overcame a spirited Swiss challenge to win 3–1 after extra time in Kansas City and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Switzerland matched Lionel Scaloni's side for long periods and looked capable of causing a major upset despite being reduced to ten men, but Argentina's superior quality eventually prevailed in extra time. The victory set up a mouth-watering semi-final against England. 


Argentina made an ideal start, taking the lead in the 10th minute. From a perfectly delivered Lionel Messi corner, Alexis Mac Allister escaped his marker and powered a header beyond Gregor Kobel to give the South Americans a deserved early advantage. Switzerland gradually settled into the game and defended resolutely before finding an equaliser in the 67th minute. A swift counterattack ended with Dan Ndoye receiving a precise pass inside the area before firing confidently past Emiliano Martínez to make it 1–1. 


The match swung dramatically five minutes later when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown a controversial red card in the 72nd minute after a VAR review for simulation, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Swiss defended heroically throughout the rest of normal time and forced the match into extra time. 


Argentina finally made their extra man count in the 112th minute. Julián Álvarez collected the ball some distance from goal before unleashing a magnificent long-range strike that flew beyond Kobel into the top corner to restore Argentina's lead. Switzerland, exhausted after defending for so long, pushed forward desperately in search of another equaliser but were caught on the counterattack deep into stoppage time. In the 120+1st minute, substitute Lautaro Martínez finished clinically after another incisive Argentine move to seal a 3–1 victory and send the reigning champions into the semi-finals. 


Goals

Argentina 1–0: Alexis Mac Allister (10')

Switzerland 1–1: Dan Ndoye (67')

Argentina 2–1: Julián Álvarez (112', extra time)

Argentina 3–1: Lautaro Martínez (120+1', extra time) 


 

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