In the final round of the Round of 16 matches, Argentina take on Switzerland whereas Belgium lock horns with the USA.
In the final round of the Round of 16 matches, Argentina take on Switzerland whereas Belgium lock horns with the USA. So what’s the team composition for today? Will Lionel Messi score again? Here is our preview for tonight’s games:
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Desired result – Argentina to win (hands down)
Lionel Messi has been the ‘one man army’ for Argentina in this World Cup so far but they will look for a better all-round performance when they meet Switzerland on Tuesday. The diminutive four-time player of the year has finally set his feet in the international colours. Hitting four of their six goals for Argentina, the Barcelona forward can take one step closer to being called the ‘great one’ if he delivers the World Cup trophy. They will face their toughest opponents yet in Switzerland, who put seven goals past group opponents Ecuador, France and Honduras, including three from star man, Xherdan Shaqiri. Switzerland has never beaten Argentina in six attempts but the tide could turn if the former play to their potential.
Belgium vs. USA
Desired result – Belgian victory
After passing an acid test against the likes of Portugal and Germany, Team USA will be ready to go on the attack when they face-off ‘unbeaten’ Belgium in Tuesday’s last-16 World Cup clash. The Belgians came through the group stage with three wins from three against Algeria, Russia and South Korea but failed to hit the heights expected of their exciting, star-studded squad with somewhat lukewarm performances and late shows. However with talents likes Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in the side, there is time for that to change and the Europeans will be a stiff test for a US side that surprised many by beating off 2010 quarter-finalists Ghana and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to qualify alongside Germany in Group G. The Belgians have won the last four of their five games with the US, including a 4-2 victory in May last year. A solitary win for the US came in the 1930 World Cup. USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann might field striker Jozy Altidore after the latter passed the fitness test.
With Lionel Messi starring today for Argentina, Switzerland has to be careful on their weak defence. The winner of the clash at Salvador’s Fonte Nova arena will play Argentina or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
