Switzerland prepares for Argentina quarter-final clash, focusing on containing Lionel Messi
Switzerland is set to face defending champions Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, with their strategy heavily focused on limiting the impact of Lionel Messi. Swiss manager Murat Yakin acknowledged the challenge of stopping Messi, stating that his team will aim to perform as a unit, make good passes, and press high.
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka also commented on the difficulty of containing Messi for the entire 90 minutes. He emphasized the need for his team to be smart, compact, close gaps, and deny Messi space. Xhaka expressed the team’s intention to maintain possession to prevent Messi from influencing the game.
Swiss preparations and past encounters
This match marks the first World Cup meeting between Switzerland and Argentina since the 2014 round of 16 in Brazil, where Argentina secured a 1-0 victory in extra time. Ángel Di María scored the winning goal in the 118th minute, assisted by Messi. Xhaka, who played in that match, described it as an unpleasant moment but noted the team’s improved mentality and a new generation of players.
Switzerland enters the quarter-finals unbeaten, having won four of their five matches in this World Cup and drawing their opening game against Qatar. They recently defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout in the round of 16. The team has not reached a World Cup quarter-final in 72 years, with their last appearance in 1954 when they lost to Austria.
Xhaka highlighted the significant progress in Swiss football over recent years, stating that the team has become stronger. He conveyed a message to his squad about the importance of giving their best effort until the final whistle, drawing inspiration from Argentina‘s ability to find ways to win in crucial moments.
Argentina’s journey and Messi’s form
Argentina, the defending champions, have faced challenges in their recent knockout matches. They were pushed to the brink of a penalty shootout against Cape Verde in the round of 32 and had to come from behind to defeat Egypt in the round of 16. In the match against Egypt, Messi missed a first-half penalty but later assisted Cristian Romero‘s 79th-minute goal and scored the equalizer himself, setting up Enzo Fernández‘s stoppage-time winner for a 3-2 comeback.
Lionel Messi, at 39, has scored eight goals in five matches in this World Cup, delivering what has been described as one of the most extraordinary tournaments of his career. Argentina‘s coach, Lionel Scaloni, commented on Messi’s consistent performance, noting that he covers similar distances in matches but is much more decisive. Scaloni attributed Messi’s physical readiness to his preparation and believes he will remain the best as long as he is motivated.
Scaloni also reflected on the team’s journey since winning the 2021 Copa América, which he described as a turning point that boosted the morale of the current generation. He emphasized the team’s legacy as one that never settled and plays with passion. The coach acknowledged Switzerland as a strong opponent with experienced players and physical strength, deserving respect.
The match against Egypt was described as an incredibly emotional experience, especially given the sentiment that this could be Messi’s final World Cup. Scaloni mentioned that the team is performing well despite minor issues and creates chances, recognizing that opponents will play one of the most important matches of their lives against them. The quarter-final match will be played in Kansas.
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Source: foxsports.com
