Last-16 preview: Argentina v Swiss
Argentina will look to their captain Lionel Messi to continue his goal-scoring form in the knockout against the Swiss.
Lionel Messi has been the key to Argentina’s perfect start at the World Cup, scoring four of their six goals in three straight group wins, and the South Americans hope his blistering form continues when they face Switzerland in the last-16.
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Argentina have not lost any of the last six games against Switzerland. Last WC match: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland |
Although Argentina have yet to reach the heights many expected of them in Brazil, Messi has been on a different planet, electrifying crowds and banishing memories of the goal drought he endured in South Africa four years ago.
Fellow forward Sergio Aguero is a major doubt after picking up an injury against Nigeria in their final group game, however, and should he miss out manager Alejandro Sabella may opt for the versatile Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Sabella, though, was playing his cards close to his chest on the eve of the match in Sao Paulo.
Switzerland hope Xherdan Shaqiri, dubbed the ‘Alpine Messi’ for his impish skills, will provide the key to beating Argentina for the first time.
The bustling little forward has been in top form for the Swiss, stealing the show with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Honduras that sealed their spot in the last-16.
“The midfield will feed him, and he plays really well up front,” captain Gokhan Inler said of Shaqiri. “The good thing is he cannot be figured out that easily. We need to have him free.”
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo
Date: Tuesday, July 1
Kick-off: 1600 GMT