Argentina have been seriously tested during the knockout rounds of the World Cup, but have a winning habit and will fancy their chances against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday morning.
Progress through Group J was a doddle for the Albiceleste, who swept aside Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1 to ensure they were one of just three teams to advance with a 100 per cent record.
But complacency seemed to set in ahead of the round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, who twice equalised before succumbing to a 3-2 extra-time defeat.
And Argentina were given an even bigger scare by Egypt, who led 2-0 before late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez brought Lionel Scaloni's side back from the brink.
Switzerland's progress to the last eight has been more about improved defending.
They eased past Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 and slugged out a goalless draw with Colombia before advancing 4-3 on penalties.
Argentina v Switzerland Tips Summary
Best Bet - Argentina to win @ 7/10
Alternative Bet - Enzo Fernandez to have one or more shots on target @ 6/5
Bet Builder - Lionel Messi anytime goalscorer, Granit Xhaka to be carded & under four goals @ 10/1
Argentina v Switzerland Prediction
Best Bet - Argentina to win @ 7/10
Argentina needed a late flourish to survive an almighty scare against Egypt, but are more used to establishing early control of their matches and can do exactly that against Switzerland, who may be reaching the end of their journey.
Scaloni's team lacked intensity in the early stages against Egypt, and they were almost made to pay a heavy price.
But the sloppy start was an outlier for the Albiceleste, who conceded the opening goal of a World Cup match for the first time since the round of 16 at Russia 2018 when they were beaten 4-3 by France.
Argentina are used to being backed by the vast majority in the stands and that vocal support will make their task slightly easier against the Swiss, who could be missing their most productive attacking player.
Freiburg attacker Johan Manzambi, 20, has shone at his first World Cup, scoring three goals and assisting two more.
However, he sustained a training ground injury before the Colombia match and was unable to take part.
Switzerland battled their way past Colombia with a disciplined defensive effort, yet may struggle to shut out Argentina, who can get closer to the standards they were setting during the group stage.
Enzo Fernandez to have one or more shots on target @ 6/5
Argentina's team is built around Messi, who has scored eight of their 14 goals.
But others have stepped up on occasions, including Romero and Fernandez, who scored the first and third goals against Egypt.
Fernandez has had eight goal attempts (the second highest in the squad) and can get one or more on target against the Swiss.
Argentina v Switzerland Bet Builder Tip
Lionel Messi anytime goalscorer
Granit Xhaka to be carded
Under 4 goals
Pays 10/1
Messi's superb equalising goal against Egypt was yet another key contribution to his team's quest to win back-to-back World Cups.
Switzerland are a well-organised side, which takes few risks, but even they may not be able to stop the 39-year-old magician, who can help his nation triumph in a fairly low-scoring game.
Cutting off Messi's supply lines will be a key Swiss objective, and they may have to resort to robust measures.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka is no stranger to making tactical fouls and his tournament card count (two from five games) is likely to increase.
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Key Match Stats
Argentina have won 11 of their last 12 internationals
Lionel Messi has scored 10 goals in his last seven Argentina appearances
Argentina have been leading 1-0 at half-time in five of their last seven games
Argentina have opened the scoring in 11 of their last 12 World Cup fixtures
Both teams have scored in eight of Switzerland's last 11 matches
Switzerland have lost only one of their last 19 matches
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
