Quarter-finals · #100
Argentina v Switzerland
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
The goals, minute by minute
- 10'Alexis Mac AllisterGoal · 1-0
- 67'Dan NdoyeGoal · 1-1
- 72'Breel EmboloRed card
- 112'Julián ÁlvarezGoal · 2-1
- 120'+1'Lautaro MartínezGoal · 3-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Argentina (world champions, came back vs Egypt) vs Switzerland (knocked Colombia out on penalties) · quarter-final
Team level
Argentina: pedigree and reigning champions (Messi, Julián Álvarez); know-how in knockouts.
Switzerland: organisation, experience and a key keeper (Xhaka, Embolo, Sommer); very hard to beat.
Key factors
- Argentina is superior in talent and control.
- Switzerland sits deep, endures and just won a shootout (vs Colombia).
- Argentine patience will be key to avoid their trap game.
Prediction
Result in 90': 1-0 (alternative: 2-1 Argentina)
- Argentina win: ~64%
- Draw: ~24%
- Switzerland win: ~12%
Advances: Argentina (~72%)
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, the difference-maker in his last dance.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
Argentina is a clear favourite on pedigree. Switzerland is one of the most awkward
sides in the tournament and can drag it to penalties, but an Argentine advance is most likely.