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Argentina will take on Switzerland with the hope that Messi can guide them to a win over the European side.
Messi’s form has been the brightest spot for Argentina so far in this tournament. The South Americans won all 3 group games but did not impress, barely edging poor opposition by 1 goal in each match. But 3 wins are 3 wins, and Messi’s 4 goals so far will give the Pumas confidence that the Barcelona man will step up again in the Round 16. Argentina’s gameplan was simple so far: keep possession, count on individual quality up front and deny the opponents’ too many goal chances.
Switzerland is a good, disciplined side with good cohesiveness, good coaching and some individual quality as well. However, their form in the group stage was shaky to say the least: a lucky win over Ecuador, a horrible 5-2 defeat to France and then a solid 3-0 win over Honduras to book a place in the Round 16. Switzerland’s defense is not looking too good right now, but their offense is pretty good and they might be able to trouble Argentina, maybe even get a goal.
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Team news & lineups
Alejandro Sabella will have to do without the services of Sergio Aguero. Switzerland has no absentees ahead of this clash.
Argentina: Romero – Garay, Zabaleta, Rojo, Fernandez – Gago, Mascherano – Lavezzi, Messi, Di Maria – Higuain
Switzerland: Benaglio – Lichtsteiner, Rodriguez, Djourou, Schaer – Inler, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Behrami – Mehmedi – Drmic.
As expected the knockout stage did not produce too many goals so far, in contrast to the group stages, and odds for the over are starting to look better and better for every match. I think this time around we will see a fair number of goals in this Argentina – Switzerland clash. I don`t expect too many risks to be take, but clearly the South Americans have so much quality up front, while Switzerland’s defense looked very poor against Ecuador and especially against France. I expect Argentina to punish the Europeans and score a couple of goals, but Switzerland can bang in some shots as well and I trust them to get one goal themselves. My tip is over 2,5 goals. Argentina to win might also be worth a shot but the odds are pretty low, and the handicap is risky. Prediction: Argentina – Switzerland 3-1.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.84 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.72
Event date: 1 July
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