Julian Alvarez sent the ball swerving into the Swiss top corner for what many consider the goal of the World Cup so far. The strike proved perfect, both in its execution and its significance for the tournament.

High above the pitch in Fifa’s VVIP box, Conmebol president and Gianni Infantino confidante Alejandro Dominguez celebrated the moment with intensity. He grabbed Argentine football chief Claudio Tapia, clearly thrilled by the goal that secured South American representation in the semi-finals.

The goal set up the ideal semi-final bracket. After a tournament that lacked many high-profile heavyweight clashes, the World Cup now features two massive “super-clasicos” and guarantees a blockbuster final.

Fifa notes this is the first time the four top-ranked teams have reached the semi-finals, and the first time the last four have all featured previous winners since 1990. That parallel with the most beloved of World Cups, held in Italy, fits the current quartet, which may be the strongest ever depending on performance.

France versus Spain is already billed as a “real final,” as these two sides boast the best scoring and defensive records. Their meeting represents a tactical clash between Spain’s perfected positional game and Didier Deschamps’ emphasis on individual interpretation.

Meanwhile, the Argentina-England fixture carries immense weight. It marks 40 years since their famous 1986 encounter, as the spirits from the Azteca continue to swirl. For Argentina, the match holds deep emotional significance, underscored by anthems like the “Muchachos” song that soundtracked the last World Cup.

This match-up will be Lionel Messi’s first-ever game against England. Both sides rely heavily on their individual stars to navigate the tournament, creating the potential for a chaotic and highly entertaining affair.

The tournament features top talent including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham, setting the stage for what could be the greatest semi-finals in history.