Argentina
Argentina were staring down the barrel of elimination with just over ten minutes to go in their Round of 16 tie in Atlanta against Egypt. The Argentinians were 2-0 down with star man Lionel Messi on the periphery of things, having earlier missed a penalty.
He then, inevitably, produced a pinpoint cross for Cristian Romero to get one back before controlling a tough half volley to fire past Mostafa Shobeir to equalise. Enzo Fernandez’ smart header in stoppage time then gave Argentina their reprieve and progression into the last eight.
Prior to that, Argentina had been taken to extra-time by debutant minnows Cabo Verde in Miami. It even looked as though, after Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunner to make it 2-2 in extra-time, that Cabo Verde had more energy and may pinch the win before Diney put through his own goal under pressure from Romero from a Messi corner.
Injuries & Team News
Despite missing from the penalty spot twice, Messi is still ahead in a close Golden Boot race with eight goals so far, and Argentina’s inspirational skipper will lead them out again this weekend.
Either Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez – the latter of whom set up a late winner for Fernandez against Egypt – will partner the first man to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
Another duel for selection will take place at left-back, where Nicolas Tagliafico and fit-again Facundo Medina must fight for one place.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-2 vs Egypt | W W W WW W |
Predicted Line-Up
Argentina possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez
Switzerland
Switzerland are often overlooked for playing a fairly conservative style of football and never having a moment or match to really win the hearts of neutrals but, under Murat Yakin, they have continued to steadily progress. Always on the periphery of the elite in international football, the Swiss are surely beginning to bang that door down.
They were knocked out by England and Spain in each of the last two UEFA European Championships in the quarter-finals on penalties, following famous wins against Italy and France respectively. Switzerland won first-round ties in 1934 and 1938 but had not won a knockout match until their two victories this summer, and they are now in the quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954.
Injuries & Team News
While Scaloni should have a full squad, Yakin has concerns over three players: Michel Aebischer, Luca Jaquez and potential Premier League target Johan Manzambi.
The latter had forced his way into the starting lineup and scored three goals before missing Switzerland’s last-16 tie with a knee injury; having failed to recover, AC Milan’s Ardon Jashari could continue to deputise.
Leading the line up front, Breel Embolo has been directly involved in 13 goals across his last 17 international appearances, which represents a career peak in th famous red shirt.
Though he failed to record a shot and managed just one touch in the opposition box against Colombia, the Rennes striker should see off competition from Zeki Amdouni and Cedric Itten.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-0 vs Colombia | D D W W W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Jashari, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina Win | 1.70 | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3.70 | Dream Vegas |
| Switzerland Win | 5.50 | 247Bet |
Prediction
Argentina 1-1 Switzerland
Argentina are creating controversy every game it seems at the moment and nobody is talking about them as a football team, that is because they havnt fired yet. I think Switzerland have enough about them to take this to extra time.