Argentina vs Switzerland Predictions

• Both teams have scored in Argentina’s last three games
• Switzerland have scored nine goals across their five games
• Lionel Messi is the World Cup’s Golden Boot frontrunner with eight goals

Swiss test for defending champions

Argentina needed an incredible comeback to see off Egypt in the last 16 of the World Cup and they now face a tricky test against a well-organised Switzerland side in the quarter finals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The defending champions breezed through the group stages with routine wins over Algeria, Austria and Jordan but they’ve made hard work of their knockout assignments.

Argentina were dragged into extra time by Cape Verde before coming up against the Pharaohs. Egypt held a 2-0 lead until deep in the second half, but Cristian Romero’s goal in the 79th minute sparked an Argentine comeback as they completed a 3-2 win inside normal time.

Switzerland’s own World Cup bid began in disappointing fashion as they were held to a draw by Qatar but they ultimately came through as group winners, before ousting Algeria in the first knockout round.

They were underdogs for their last 16 tie with Colombia but manager Murat Yakin got his game plan spot on for that tie as they stifled the South Americans before winning on penalties. The Swiss will need another tactical masterclass from their coach to stun Argentina but they should head into this tie with belief after sending Los Cafeteros home.

Both teams can get on the scoresheet

Argentina have been unconvincing in their first two knockout ties but have shown the kind of mentality that saw them lift the trophy four years ago by finding ways to win regardless. Nevertheless, they hold little appeal as odds-on favourites to win this game in 90 minutes and the best angle could be backing both teams to score.

La Albiceleste have conceded in each of their last three games, against Jordan, the Blue Sharks and then Egypt, so Switzerland should be able to find a way through.

The Swiss did draw a blank against Colombia but the Los Cafeteros are perhaps a better side defensively than Argentina, and keeping that game tight was Yakin’s plan for that game. The Switzerland coach will almost certainly alter his tactics for Argentina as they offer a very different test. The Swiss were able to frustrate Colombia’s attack but with Lionel Messi in form Yakin will be well aware his side will probably need to be a bit more adventurous themselves in their attacking play.

Switzerland scored nine goals in their first four World Cup games and had only failed to score in one of their previous 10 before facing Colombia. Argentina are on an 11-game scoring streak, so at just above evens backing both teams to score stands out for our main bet.

Messi magic can break Swiss hearts

I’m backing goals at both ends but Argentina can get the job done inside normal time and a 2-1 win for the holders seems a reasonable correct score prediction. The South American giants have had a couple of close calls since the group stage ended but have managed to show their class when it mattered most and they have enough talent to work out this Swiss side.

Switzerland also had a far tougher physical examination in their own last 16 tie and fatigue could be an issue for their squad, whereas Argentina were the dominant side for large periods against Egypt despite having to battle back to win.

Messi has been incredible over the course of this tournament and with eight goals he is the leader in the battle for Golden Boot honours. Messi has scored in every game so far and the 39-year-old can keep that streak going by adding to his haul against the Swiss.