By Neel Shelat
Argentina hoping to avoid a third-consecutive scare
As the defending champions and world’s top-ranked team coming into the tournament, Argentina were naturally seen as one of the World Cup favourites. They got through a straightforward group with three wins and just one goal conceded, but have endured a rocky ride thereafter.
Their first knockout game against debutantes Cabo Verde was expected to be a one-sided affair, but turned into a match for the ages as the minnows equalised twice and fought hard until the very last minute of extra time. On its own, that might have been written off as an off-day, but the even more dramatic comeback win over Egypt further exposed the team’s weaknesses.
Lionel Messi’s continued magic has been just about enough to take the team forward thus far, but his absolute centrality to all their attacking plans has somewhat limited their threat — especially in the absence of an Ángel Di María-like profile on the wings. Moreover, their defence has conceded five goals in the last three games and looks breachable through different avenues.
Solidity the key to Switzerland’s success
Switzerland have reached the World Cup quarter-finals on three previous occasions, but the last of those was when they hosted the tournament in 1954. They have already created history at this World Cup by winning more than two games for the first time, and have good reason to believe they can go further.
The Nati have repeatedly delivered on the big stage over the last decade, reaching the Round of 16 of the last two World Cups as well as the quarter-finals at the last two Euros. Since taking over in 2021, Murat Yakin has consistently put together cohesive teams for the big occasions, ably dealing with a generational shift in the process.
The current Swiss side might like the attacking X factor of someone like Xherdan Shaqiri, but has some reliable presences in midfield and defence as well as a few potential difference-makers up front. Their ability to keep games tight has been the key to their success so far, and will certainly be important here.
Team news
Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez are doubts for Switzerland, but the big news is that breakout star Johan Manzambi will miss out again as he continues to recover from the knee injury that he picked up in training before the Round of 16. Argentina, on the other hand, are fully fit.
Key players
All-time World Cup top-scorer Lionel Messi will be looking to extend his scoring streak to seven consecutive knockout games in the tournament, with Julián Alvarez potentially providing some useful support. Lisandro Martínez will have a key role to play in and out of possession with his passing and defending.
Captain Granit Xhaka will be the key tempo-setter for Switzerland, but his defensive responsibilities might be all the more important in helping shield Manuel Akanji from a certain Lionel. Going forward, Dan Ndoye could hold the key to unlocking the Argentine defence.
Prediction
Argentina might just have enough to eke out another close victory.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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