Fifa World Cup 2014, Argentina vs. Switzerland: Where to Watch Live, Prediction, Preview and Betting Odds
For LIVE coverage of Argentina v Switzerland followed by Belgium v USA, click here.
Argentina will take on Switzerland in the 2014 World Cup round-of-16 match, which will kick off from the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Tuesday.
Where to Watch Live
The kick-off is set for 5pm BST. Live coverage is on BBC One. Live Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Overview
Argentina come into the match as favourites after collecting wins in all their group matches. However, their wins were not convincing and they struggled to break down a bold Iranian team and conceded two goals against the Nigerians. That shows that the Albiceleste are beatable.
Moreover, the Argentineans have depended completely on Lionel Messi to bail them out of trouble, which could be detrimental for them. Alejandro Sabella will be hoping that all his players hit form especially the likes of Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi especially after the loss of Sergio Aguero through injury.
Meanwhile, Switzerland come into the game with nothing to lose, so they can play their natural game. The Swiss have not made a quarter-final of a World Cup since they hosted the tournament 60 years ago.
Ottmar Hitsfeld will be glad that they ended their group stages on a high after they thrashed Honduras 3-0. Star forward Xherdan Shaqiri will also be buzzing after he got a hat-trick in the same game to open his World Cup account. However, the coach lost his reserve striker Mario Gavranovic, who succumbed to a ligament injury during training
This will be the seventh international meeting between the two sides, with Argentina remaining unbeaten till now (W4, D2).
What Managers Say
Alejandro Sabella (Argentina): "We started improving from the point of view of structure. We see an improvement as a whole. I don't like speaking about individuals. The strikers played a better game this time. The weakness we discuss at home in private. You can win not playing well and still have things to correct, I'm pleased about the nine points but I must always improve."
Ottmar Hitzfeld (Switzerland): "We are the clear outsiders but we have nothing to lose and much to gain. In one game, anything is possible. We mustn't dwell on Messi or focus just on him, as they can all pose a threat. We can make history, each and every player has their own chance to join the others in writing their own chapter."
Prediction
Argentina 3 - 2 Switzerland
Betting Odds (Bwin)
Argentina: 1/2
Switzerland: 21/4
Draw: 10/3
Team Form
Argentina
- Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W W
- Last Result: Argentina 3 – 2 Nigeria
Switzerland
- Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W L W W W
- Last Result: Switzerland 3 – 0 Honduras
Team News
Argentina
- Injured: Sergio Aguero (leg – muscle)
- Doubtful:N/A
- Suspended: N/A
Probable Lineup: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano; Di Maria, Lavezzi, Messi; Higuain
Switzerland
- Injured: Mario Gavranovic (knee)
- Doubtful: N/A
- Suspended: N/A
Probable Lineup: Benaglio; Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Schaer, Rodriguez; Inler, Xhaka, Behrami; Mehmedi, Drmic, Shaqiri
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.