Saturday night will be etched in the memory of Argentines. In a terrifying match, with hearts in mouths and the Swiss parked deep, Julián Álvarez appeared to unleash a thunderbolt from another planet and send the National Team into the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. But it was not just any goal: with that right-footed strike into the top corner, La Araña equaled none other than Diego Armando Maradona on the list of all-time top scorers in World Cup knockout stages.
The match started with everything. Alexis Mac Allister, at 9 minutes, had already headed in the 1-0 and all was joy. But Switzerland did not back down. They pressed, caused trouble, and found the equalizer through Dan Ndoye in the second half. Dibu Martínez had a brilliant night, saving everything that came his way, but the 1-1 held until the end of 90 minutes.
In extra time, the Europeans retreated as best they could, especially after Breel Embolo saw a second yellow card for a bizarre simulation. It seemed everything was heading to penalties, but then magic appeared. At 112 minutes, Julián Álvarez received the ball outside the area, set himself, and unleashed a right-footed shot that nestled into the top corner. Impossible for the goalkeeper. Wonder goal. And then, in stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez sealed the match with the final 3-1.
But the historic feat is Julián’s. With that goal, the Cordoban reached four goals in World Cup knockout stages, the same mark that Diego Maradona achieved in his four World Cups. El Diez had scored all his goals in the knockout phase during Mexico 1986: a brace against England in the quarterfinals and another against Belgium in the semifinals. Julián, meanwhile, had already scored three in Qatar 2022: one against Australia in the round of 16 and two against Croatia in the semifinals. Now he adds this wonder goal against Switzerland.
In the historical ranking of the Argentine National Team, only Lionel Messi surpasses both, with seven goals in knockout matches. But equaling Maradona is no small feat. La Araña has earned a place in the gallery of greats.
Meanwhile, the National Team awaits its semifinal opponent. With this team, with these players, anything is possible. And with Julián Álvarez on fire, the dream of back-to-back titles is more alive than ever.
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para mi ya esta a la altura del diego y estos zurditos de mierda llorando porque no es tecnico jodanse la araña es un caudillo patria y huevos el que no lo banque que se valla a ver basquet argentina carajo 🏆⚽
Para mí la Araña es un animal, cómo la rompe. Maradona? Un muerto al lado de Álvarez, los que dicen que Messi es mejor no entienden nada, Julián tiene más garra. Vamos Argentina, a ganar todo. Los zurdos reaccionarios no saben de fútbol.