Argentina reaches the quarterfinals of the World Cup after two agonizing victories. They beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, coming back from 2-0 in 13 minutes, the same score as against Cape Verde in the previous round. The Albiceleste has walked to the limit, but coach Lionel Scaloni recognizes that they must improve.
“We are good, but we probably have to improve because they scored four goals against us in the last two games,” said defender Cristian Romero.
On Saturday in Kansas City, Argentina faces Switzerland, the only non-European team still in the tournament. Switzerland has never reached the World Cup semi-finals; Their last time in the quarterfinals was in 1954. Despite the difference in scores, Swiss captain Granit Xhaka warns: “Tomorrow there will be talk on the field.”
Doubts in the eleven
Two positions are still up for debate: right back (Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel) and center forward (Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez). Against Egypt, Molina was singled out, but Montiel improved the offense. In attack, Álvarez does not convert, while Lautaro assisted on the winning goal. Scaloni avoids aligning them together from the beginning for balance.
Messi, the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, has 21 in World Cups and has scored in six straight elimination games. He missed two penalties in this World Cup, but it will be his decision if he kicks again.
The Swiss defense
Switzerland has only conceded three goals in five games. The defense, with Xhaka, Akanji, Freuler, Elvedi and goalkeeper Kobel, neutralized Colombia in the round of 16 until penalties. Argentina has no physical casualties; Switzerland misses Johan Mazambi due to injury.
The weather in Kansas City will be warm, with 30°C and a low chance of rain. The winner will face either Norway or England in the semi-finals.
