Argentina vs. Switzerland: Five Things to Know Before Their World Cup Round of 16 Game
Switzerland and Argentina are set to face off in this much anticipated game Tuesday in the knockout stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The winner of the game will advance to play the winner of Belgium and the United States. Both of these teams have strong rosters and are well known, but here are five things you should know before they play one another:
1. It's Been a Long Time
Argentina has a few European rivalries, but Switzerland isn't one of them.
The last and only time these two countries faced each other in the World Cup was in 1966, in England. Both teams were paired in Group 2 with Germany and Spain. Despite the game being played on European soil, Argentina was victorious, 2-0.
2. No Place Like Home for Switzerland
Switzerland has a long history at the World Cup, but it's been a really long time since they have advanced past the round of 16. Sixty years, to be exact. The last time Switzerland played in the quarterfinals was in 1954, when they hosted the World Cup. Brazil is pretty far from Switzerland, but this team has been playing great so far. If this team is going to advance to it's first quarter-finals in 60 years, they're going to have to defeat Argentina.
3. Lionel Messi's Legacy on the Line
Argentina is one of the best soccer teams of all time and it's no surprise that they have some of the best players ever. Players like Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Maradona, and Guillermo Stabile. If Messi can lead Argentina to the promise land, he too will be remember as an all-time great. Messi has four goals this World Cup and he's climbing up the ladder of all time World Cup goals for an Argentinean. Four goals in three World Cups certainly helps.
4. Possession is Key
Argentina's middle field is very good, most notably Javier Mascherano. With a great middle field and defense, you can control and pass the ball with pressure all game. Argentina leads this World Cup in possession time with 65 percent against their opponents. If Switzerland can't get the ball, they won't be able to unleash that high powered offense.
5. Argentina Wins by the Slimmest of Margins
Argentina won Group F with a perfect 3-0 record, but it was really close. In all three of Argentina's victories, they won by just a single goal. Argentina escaped Bosnia in their opener when Messi scored in the 65th minute and Bosnia scored against themselves. In their second game, they defeated Iran in extra time 1-0 after (you guessed it) Messi scored in the 91st minute. Argentina then narrowly escaped Nigeria 3-2, winning the group. This team definitely knows how to win the close games.
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