Defending champions Argentina face another stern examination when they take on Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Argentina survived a massive scare with their dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16 and they will be hoping for a more straightforward experience when taking on World Cup quarter-final opponents Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City on Tuesday.
Progress to the last eight was fully expected for the Albiceleste, who are hoping to join Italy and Brazil among the elite club of nations who have successfully defended the title.
But it is a much bigger deal for Switzerland, who are striving to reach the final four for the first time in their history.
Both are unbeaten since the start of the 2026 World Cup and their contest is the subject of a bet builder which, if successful, returns odds of around 11/1 with Betway.
Tips
Argentina to win @ 7/10
Lionel Messi to score the first goal @ 23/10
Enzo Fernandez 1+ shots on target @ 5/4
Pays out at 9/1
Argentina should continue to advance
The knockout rounds have been tougher than expected for Argentina, who were taken to extra-time by Cape Verde before having to come from two-goals behind against Egypt.
But Lionel Scaloni’s men have dug deep at the decisive moments and may have more left in the tank than Switzerland, who have exceeded expectations by reaching the final eight.
Defensive improvements have been made by Switzerland, who haven’t conceded a goal since the group stage.
But Murat Yakin’s side had to go to extra-time and penalties against last-16 opponents Colombia and their squad is starting to feel the strain with midfielder Michel Aebischer and defender Luca Jaquez expected to miss out and Johan Manzambi rated highly doubtful.
Manzambi’s ongoing absence would be a major blow because he has been the standout Swiss player, contributing three goals and two assists.
Switzerland’s rejigged attack struggled against Colombia and it might not fare much better against Argentina, who had been looking fairly solid in their early games.
Getting back to basics could be key for Argentina, who have been loose in recent games.
They have survived a couple of major scares but should be fully refocused for the challenges to come and can see off the Swiss in normal time.
Leg 1: Argentina to win @ 7/10
No end in sight to Messi’s magic show
Argentina have built their offensive strategy around Lionel Messi, who has netted eight times in their five matches.
Messi is continuing to mesmerise and he popped up with the crucial equaliser against Egypt when his snap shot cannoned in off the crossbar before nestling into Mostafa Shobeir’s net.
Switzerland will do their utmost to negate the Inter Miami player, but their best efforts could be to no avail.
Leg 2: Lionel Messi to score the first goal @ 23/10
Energetic Enzo can hit the target
Messi occasionally needs some goalscoring assistance from team-mates and the most likely to lend a hand against Switzerland is midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The Chelsea player has registered eight shots, including the match-winner against Egypt, and looks overpriced to hit the target in Kansas City.
Leg 3: Enzo Fernandez 1+ shots on target @ 5/4
