Match Preview

Argentina’s World Cup title defence continues after surviving back-to-back knockout scares. After narrowly escaping against debutants Cape Verde in the first elimination round, Lionel Scaloni’s team found themselves in an even more difficult position against Egypt.

The Pharaohs looked set for a famous upset after building a 2-0 lead with just 11 minutes remaining. However, Argentina produced a dramatic comeback, helped by some controversial VAR decisions, to completely change the course of the match.

Cristian Romero started the revival, before Lionel Messi made amends for his earlier penalty miss by scoring the equaliser. Enzo Fernández then completed the turnaround, sending Argentina into another moment of celebration and keeping their dream alive.

The victory extended Argentina’s winning streak to 12 matches since September and moved them three wins away from another World Cup triumph. While the squad may no longer be as youthful as before, their combination of individual brilliance, experience, and fighting spirit continues to make them one of the toughest teams to beat.

Since their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina have gone unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup games, scoring at least two goals in every match during that run — their best streak in tournament history.

History also favours the defending champions. Argentina have won both previous major tournament meetings with Switzerland, defeating them 2-0 at the 1966 World Cup and 1-0 in the 2014 edition. Overall, Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in seven encounters, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.

Switzerland, meanwhile, are chasing a historic achievement as they look to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time ever. Their last appearance in the quarter-finals came on home soil in 1954, and Murat Yakin’s side has built its campaign on discipline, organisation, and defensive reliability.

The Swiss started the tournament with a disappointing draw against Qatar but quickly recovered, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 before edging co-hosts Canada 2-1. They topped Group B, then eliminated Algeria in the knockout stage and overcame Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw.

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel became the hero in the shootout in Vancouver, helping Switzerland advance 4-3 on penalties.

Under the pragmatic Yakin, Switzerland have focused on defensive structure and controlling matches rather than playing an open attacking style. That approach has worked perfectly so far, as they have never fallen behind at any stage of this World Cup campaign, including qualifying.

Now one of six European nations remaining in the final eight, Switzerland face their biggest challenge yet: defeating the reigning champions to create a historic moment for Swiss football.

Argentina possible starting lineup:

E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez

Switzerland possible starting lineup:

Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Jashari, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas

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