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On Tuesday evening, reigning world champions Argentina avoided a shock elimination for the second time in the space of four days. Meanwhile, Switzerland are preparing to contest a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in over 70 years.
Argentina remain alive in their title defence, but the journey so far has been much tougher than expected. After a perfect group stage, Lionel Scaloni's team had to overcome huge challenges in the knockout rounds. After narrowly beating Cape Verde in the Round of 32, they pulled off an incredible comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 until the 79th minute, the Argentinians scored three times in the closing stages to progress to the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi once again made a telling impact in the previous round. The number 10 grabbed a goal and an assist as Argentina fought back in Atlanta, and remains the leading light in a team that, beyond technical quality, has shown huge mental resilience in recent days. Scaloni has suggested his team's fighting spirit is one of their greatest strengths at this World Cup.
However, there are some concerns. Argentina's defence, which conceded just one goal in the group stage, was breached four times during the opening two knockout rounds. They continue to create plenty of chances, but leave gaps at the back and are currently finding it harder to control games.
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Conversely, Switzerland is a team in great form who are not burdened by the same weight of expectation. The Swiss knocked out Colombia via a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Vancouver, enabling them to reach their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. Their campaign is further proof of the progress of a generation that has become accustomed to competing at major tournaments.
Murat Yakin's side are defined by defensive organisation, a fierce team spirit, and the ability to grind out results in tight matches. Granit Xhaka pulls the strings in midfield, while Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye are their main attacking threats.
We've crunched the stats to provide you witth three betting tips ahead of this keenly anticipated quarter-final tie. Check these out below.
Argentina v Switzerland – Predictions
Argentina to win: 7/10 (bet365)
Argentina to win and Over 1.5 Goals: 6/5 (bet365)
Messi to record an assist: 9/4 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365 for this match. Odds correct at time of publication and subject to change.
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Argentina's will and skill
Argentina may not be playing their most dazzling football, but they keep finding ways to win. Scaloni's squad is packed with experienced, big-game players who can produce when it matters.
Messi continues to lead the attack, while Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez help to keep Argentina on the front foot even when the game slips out of their control.
Switzerland are extremely well organised and have already made it further in the tournament than most expected. Even so, Argentina's superior technical quality and their ability to deliver in key moments should see them safely through.
Prediction: Argentina to win: 7/10 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Argentina are leading at the end of the regulation 90 minutes.
Expect an open encounter
The Argentinians head into this one under pressure after surviving two dramatic knockout ties, and therefore know they need to control matches better. On the other hand, Switzerland have shown the kind of defensive control that has become one of their trademarks under Murat Yakin.
Argentina have been creating plenty of chances but are also prone to conceding goals, while Switzerland have the ability to exploit spaces and therefore contribute to a high-scoring encounter.
An early goal for either side could open the floodgates. Argentina have consistently shown what they can do after receiving a setback, while Switzerland would need to abandon their defensive shape – potentially creating holes at the back – if they need to chase an equaliser.
Therefore, Argentina to win and Over 1.5 Goals feels like a sensible bet to back.
Prediction: Argentina to win and Over 1.5 Goals: 6/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Argentina win and two or more goals are scored during the match, providing the tie doesn't proceed to extra-time.
Messi to offer a helping hand
If you're looking for a bet with longer odds, Messi to register an assist might be an attractive option. The Inter Miami forward claimed his first assist of the tournament against Egypt, but is still undoubtedly one of Argentina's most creative players.
Having already scored eight goals in the tournament, it's clear Messi's main objective this summer is to find the back of the net. However, Messi's immense attacking quality means he is always capable of producing an assist, something he achieved at least once in each of his last five MLS outings prior to the World Cup.
Prediction: Messi to record an assist: 9/4 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Messi records an assist during the regulation 90 minutes.
Argentina v Switzerland – Odds
Match Result
To qualify
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