Our football expert Evan Psarras with his thoughts on the World Cup Quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.
Match 100: Argentina v Switzerland
Location: Kansas City Stadium
Time: 1:00pm, Sunday 12 July
Head to Head: Argentina Wins (3), Switzerland Wins (0), Draws (1)
Key Stats
- Argentina are undefeated in their last 12 games
- Argentina has recorded 8 clean sheets in its last 12 games
- Messi has scored 8 goals in 410 minutes played (1.76 goals per 90 minutes)
- Over 2.5 goals is 6-1 in Argentina’s last 7 knockout matches in this competiton
Preview
Argentina have shown us what it means to be champions. They were tested by Cape Verde in the Round of 16 but that pales in comparison to what they encountered against Egypt. Down 2-0 with less than 15 minutes to play, to say that they had their backs against the wall would be an understatement. After missing a penalty in the first half, Messi was moments away from wearing the loss on his own. Instead, he would lay on the goal for Romero and score the equaliser just minutes later. The defending champion then found a winner in injury time to break Egyptian hearts.
They are now undefeated in their last 12 games and have averaged 2.92 goals per game with 8 clean sheets in that stretch. If you include the extra time played against Cape Verde, they have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 11 games and 3+ in 5 of their last 6. The trend for Argentina in the knockout stages of this competition is goals. Both teams to score is 6-1 in their last 7 knockout games and is Over 2.5 goals which suggests that the Swiss will be taken out of their comfort zone.
The Swiss were more than happy to play out a goalless draw against Colombia and rely on penalties to advance. Under 2.5 goals has now held in 4 of their last 5 knockout games in this competition but it would be silly of them to rely on holding out Argentina. The better value is taking them to score in a losing effort as Argentina have conceded at least once in each of their last three games. Argentina’s title defence will continue but they will again need to rely on their attack scoring multiple goals.
Player To Watch
We are starting to run out of words and phrases to describe Messi. He has scored 8 goals in 410 minutes played (1.76 goals per 90 minutes) and continues to contribute in every way possible. Even in the winning goal where he directed Julian Alvarez to pass long and release Lautaro Martinez into space. His vision and decision making are second to none. He has scored at least once in all 5 games played and it is hard to see the Swiss denying him.
Betting Tips
Best Bet: Argentina WIN ($1.70)
Other: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 goals ($2.88)
First Goalscorer: Lionel Messi ($3.40)
SGM: Argentina Double Chance, 2nd Half Over 1.5 goals, Messi 5+ Shots ($4.38)
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