The World Cup quarterfinals conclude on Saturday as Argentina, looking to retain their title, take on surprise package Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium.
Argentina edged France on penalties in 2022 with Lionel Messi finally getting his hands on the famous trophy to cap his glorious career.
Many expected Messi to hang up his international boots following that triumph, but the phenomenon continues, and he leads the golden boot race at this year’s tournament.
Lionel Scaloni’s side appear to be mounting a serious defence of their trophy, coming from 2-0 down against Egypt with 11 minutes remaining to clinch a quarterfinal spot with a dramatic 3-2 victory, Messi, of course, being at the heart of that comeback with a goal and an assist.
Seeing as Argentina scraped through their last-32 clash with Cape Verde, it is perhaps no surprise that their odds have drifted to +450 to win the World Cup. However, they remain third-favorites behind France and Spain and are +137 to make the final, with Switzerland first up and then a clash with either England or Norway.
Switzerland were expected to make it out of their relatively easy group, however, they were second favorites to defeat Colombia in the last 16 and came through a tough encounter via a penalty shootout.
Their defensive doggedness is not to be underestimated with back-to-back clean sheets to their name against Algeria and Colombia. However, Argentina is a step up in quality for the Swiss and a tough match looks in store in Kansas City.
Argentina vs. Switzerland betting picks and predictions
Argentina to win and both teams to score (+333)
Argentina have not been at their convincing best during the knockout stages, but the defending champions continue to find ways to win and can overcome Switzerland in Kansas City.
Scaloni's side needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde before recovering from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt.
Those performances highlighted Argentina's character but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with the holders now conceding in three consecutive matches.
Switzerland have the attacking quality to take advantage. They scored nine goals across their opening four World Cup matches before being held to a goalless draw by Colombia, with Murat Yakin adopting a more cautious approach against dangerous opposition.
The Swiss will hope to have Johan Manzambi back from injury and his extra attacking output will be vital to the European side.
Argentina have scored 14 times in five games and, inspired by Messi, should eventually find a way through Switzerland's disciplined defence. However, with the holders looking increasingly vulnerable at the back, backing Argentina to win with both teams scoring appeals.
Lionel Messi 3+ shots on target (+110)
Messi continues to defy age and expectations at this World Cup, with the 39-year-old producing another remarkable tournament for the defending champions.
The Argentina captain co-leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals in five appearances and has registered 17 shots on target. Messi remains the focal point of Scaloni's attack, taking penalties and free kicks while regularly finding shooting opportunities from open play.
Switzerland successfully frustrated Colombia in the previous round, but containing Messi represents an entirely different challenge. The Swiss are likely to defend deep and attempt to restrict the space around their penalty area, but that could allow Argentina to dominate possession and create sustained pressure.
Messi has already scored a hat-trick and a brace at Arrowhead Stadium during this tournament and clearly enjoys the conditions in Kansas City. With Argentina expected to control proceedings and their captain averaging more than three shots on target per game, backing Messi to test Gregor Kobel at least three times looks like a strong option.
Over 2.5 goals (+120)
Switzerland's defensive performances may suggest a low-scoring quarterfinal, but Argentina's recent matches point towards a more entertaining contest.
The defending champions have scored 14 goals across five World Cup games, with Messi co-leading the tournament's scoring charts with eight. However, Argentina have become increasingly vulnerable defensively, conceding five goals across their last three matches.
Switzerland are capable of contributing to the scoring. Yakin's side netted nine times across their opening four games before adopting a cautious approach in their goalless draw with Colombia, eventually progressing on penalties.
The dynamics should be different against Argentina. Switzerland may initially defend deep, but falling behind would force them to attack and leave spaces for Messi and his teammates to exploit.
Three of Argentina's last five matches have produced at least three goals, and with both sides possessing attacking quality, over 2.5 goals looks attractively priced at +120.
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Argentina vs. Switzerland odds
Argentina | -143 |
Tie | +260 |
Switzerland | +450 |
Argentina vs. Switzerland player props
Anytime Goalscorer
Lionel Messi (Argentina) | -110 |
Julia Alvarez (Argentina) | +160 |
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) | +160 |
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) | +500 |
Breel Embolo (Switzerland) | +333 |
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) | +400 |
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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.
