Under Scaloni, Argentina have won everything possible—two Copa América titles and, most importantly, the last World Cup. The powerhouse had no trouble in the group stage of the current tournament, winning all matches. However, difficulties arose in the playoffs. Cape Verde once again managed a draw in regular time, 2-2, with Argentina only securing victory thanks to a goal in extra time. Egypt even led 2-0, but collapsed at the end, losing without much resistance. Messi, on the one hand, has scored in every match of the tournament; on the other, he has missed two penalties so far.
Switzerland confirmed their consistently high level in the qualifiers, winning their group with fourteen points from six matches. At the tournament, they gave up a win to Qatar in the opening round, allowing an equalizer for 1-1 in stoppage time. However, they went on to beat Bosnia and Canada in the group stage and Algeria (coached by their former manager Petković) in the round of 16. Only against Colombia did they draw 0-0, but Kobel became the hero by winning the penalty shootout.
The defending champion averages 2.8 goals scored per match while conceding just 0.6. Xhaka and company average 1.8 goals scored, conceding one per game.
Head-to-Head: Argentina vs Switzerland
The teams have faced each other five times. Argentina have won twice, and after a draw in their third meeting at the 2014 World Cup, they scored the winning goal in extra time.
Messi and his teammates have faced playoff challenges. Still, they have several advantages and are likely to defeat their current opponent (odds – 1.77).
Argentina vs Switzerland: Key Stats and Trends
Argentina have failed to win in regular time in only one of their last twelve matches
40% of Argentina’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.4
Switzerland are unbeaten in eight consecutive matches
70% of Switzerland’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.8
Argentina vs Switzerland: Probable Starting Lineups
Argentina’s likely formation is 1-4-1-3-2 (possible lineup): Martínez – Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, Romero, Molina – Paredes – Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul – Julián Álvarez, Messi
Switzerland’s likely formation is 1-4-2-3-1 (possible lineup): Kobel – Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Zakaria – Xhaka, Freuler – Ndoye, Yashari, Rieder – Embolo.
