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Argentina are through to the final eight following a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Switzerland.
There are no words to describe what we have seen as a package tonight. Switzerland were the better team in the first half, and had it not been for Josep Drmic’s wastefulness, they could have been leading this match.
But since the break, they were on the perenial backfoot, as wave after wave of Argentine attack was repelled. They took it to extra time, but the dominance in the end told via Di Maria. Dzemaili’s reply almost immediately levelled things, as he first hit the post, and then took the deflection wide.
FINAL SCORE:
Argentina 1
Switzerland 0
The time to deliver has come for tournament heavyweights Argentina as they enter the Round of 16 with a tough encounter against Switzerland at Sao Paulo. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary on Wednesday morning from 2:00am (AEST).
The dream of a World Cup victory lap at the Maracana is the dream of every Argentinian. Yet even the most ardent supporter will bemoan their performances during the group stages. Nine points was gained – convincing displays were not.
Nevertheless, fears of an Argentina biding their time heading into the knockout stages will ring true to their opponents still in the competition, beginning with Switzerland.
Concerns around the fitness of star striker Sergio Aguero remain following his early substitution against Nigeria in the last Group F game. The Manchester City forward is their key linchpin that can deliver from the fine supply of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez behind him. Should Aguero fail to come through, coach Alejandro Sabella can rely on Ezequiel Lavezzi or Gonzalo Higuain to play up front.
Defensively, Sabella will be concerned by the two goals conceded to Nigeria, albeit in a game where progression had already been secured. Aside from the excellent Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta, Argentina’s weakness may come in defence that Xherdan Shaqiri is capable of exploiting.
The Bayern Munich reserve is Switzerland’s go-to man, as evident in their 3-0 hammering of Honduras. Switzerland’s attacking prowess is evident via Shaqiri, as well as accomplices Granit Xhaka and Haris Seferovic, who secured the late winner against Ecuador in their first game of the World Cup.
The Swiss’ weakness also lies in defence, where France ruthlessly knocked five past a hapless Diego Benaglio. Keeping a clean sheet against Honduras may restore temporary confidence to Die Nati’s back four, but facing a strikeforce against Messi may cause problems similar to the ones suffered against France.
Argentina’s rustiness thus far in these World Cup finals may give rise to Swiss optimism of causing a fabled upset. Yet their dream of winning a World Cup on Brazilian soil should spark them into action in what they will amount to four games from glory.
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