Alvarez hails Argentina grit after extra-time win over Switzerland

KANSAS CITY, United States (AFP) — Argentina attacker Julian Alvarez stressed that “you have to know how to suffer” after the three-time world champions again scraped through a hard World Cup night, defeating reduced Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Saturday’s quarter-final.

His strike in the 112th minute in Kansas City settled the contest and at last wore down the Swiss. Switzerland had dug in once Breel Embolo left the field in the second half on a second yellow for simulation. Alvarez then bent a finish into the far top corner for the crucial second goal, and Lautaro Martinez supplied a late third.

The result continues a draining run: Argentina needed extra time to edge Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32, then overturned Egypt late for another 3-2 triumph.

“Obviously, you have to suffer –– you have to know how to suffer,” Alvarez said after his first goal of the finals earned him Man of the Match. “That’s how the matches are playing out right now. “The opponents we’ve faced have played very well, too. There are things we can improve on our end as well but in a World Cup, things happen the way they happen. The teams are very strong.”

The 26-year-old said he took pride in Argentina reaching the semi-finals while chasing consecutive World Cup titles. Lionel Scaloni’s side meets England in Atlanta on Wednesday; the victor will play France or Spain in the final.

“We know England has impressive players. They’re a great national team and are doing very well,” Alvarez said, “but for us, it’s time to recover.”