Argentina were three from three in the group stage without really hitting the heights that they are capable of. They did look like they were getting a bit better, game by game, but there’s plenty of room for improvement as they move into the knockout stage. Wins over Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria, all by the odd goal, see’s them face Switzerland on Tuesday. They have had no problem in getting past this stage in recent times, reaching the quarter finals on three of their past four World Cups. That would be success for the majority of those competing but when you consider the quality of player that the country produces year in, year out. They have been tipped by many as potential winners in Brazil but if they are to go all the way for the first time since 1986, they’re going to have to perform better, starting against the Swiss.
This will be Ottmar Hitzfeld’s final competition in charge of Switzerland and he’ll be hoping that it doesn’t end at this stage. They qualified for the last 16 with six points, after wins over Ecuador and Honduras. They were thumped 5-2 by France in between those games which should serve as some sort of wake up call. They go into this match with little expectation as they face a South American powerhouse but Hitzfeld has enjoyed success throughout his career and will be demanding that his players produce the performance they are capable of. Key to their success is likely to be the Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri who notched a hat-trick in their final group game against Honduras. He has big game experience and is likely to present the biggest threat for the Argentine defence.
After what was a disappointing club season for Barcelona, and an underwhelming display at the last World Cup, the pressure was mounting on Lionel Messi to finally produce for his national team on the biggest stage of them all. As he has done throughout his career, the little genius has stepped up to the mark by scoring four goals in the group stage, all of which were special in their own way. He now has 24 goals in his last 23 internationals, and will undoubtedly have a huge say in how far Argentina progress in the tournament.
It appears to be a daunting challenge which awaits Switzerland but they can take encouragement from the likes of Chile and Mexico who more than match opponents more readily favoured before their ties. They will have to be at their best and hope their opponents are not on the top of their game which has proven to be the case thus far. They do possess plenty of players who have experience of playing in Champions League football which should ensure they are competitive at the very least.
The whole world will be looking forward to seeing Lionel Messi for the fourth time at this competition after his displays thus far. Switzerland will have to devise some sort of plan to keep him out the game but that’s easier said than done. I’m a big fan of Argentina and providing they get the balance right in their selection, can see them being too potent for the opposition.
Argentina (-1) 11/8 @ Skybet
