2014 FIFA World Cup Predictions, Schedule and Preview: Argentina vs. Switzerland
The 2014 FIFA World Cup has been a goal scoring fest at one of the highest rates we've ever seen before, and it may be no different Tuesday as Argentina and Switzerland square off in the knockout round.
Both Argentina and Switzerland successfully advanced past the group play stage and earned their right to play for the Championship. This will be the second time these two nations play one another at the World Cup. The first time was 1966, when Argentina won 2-0 in group play.
Latin Post breaks down the teams and predicts the winner:
Switzerland
The Swiss come in ranked No. 6 in the world and their head coach is Ottmar Hitzfield. Switzerland finished second in Group E by just one point to the French. Switzerland has never been close to sniffing a World Cup title before, as they have only made three quarter-finals appearances. This could be their best chance to finally make the semi-finals.
Switzerland has a good offense and their leading goal scorer is 22-year-old midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, who has scored three of Switzerland's seven goals so far. He's certainly making a name for himself in this World Cup. This Switzerland team has been somewhat inconsistent so far defensively. Their defense will have to step it up against the No. 5-ranked team, Argentina.
Argentina
After winning Group F, Argentina has a chance to win their third World Cup, which would be the third-highest of any nation in soccer history, breaking a tie with Uruguay. Argentina's expectations run as high as any country in the world. Some soccer fans still have their doubts, however, because of the weak group they played in with Bosnia, Nigeria, and Iran, who are all eliminated.
Lionel Messi has been saving this Argentina team at every turn possible. His four goals in three games are by far the most of any Argentinean player. Argentina dominated Group F, but it was closer than it appears. All three of Argentina's victories were by one goal. Other forwards are going to have to find the net if this team is going to advance to the quarterfinals.
Predictions
This should be a great game between two very evenly matched teams. Argentina will use their exceptional passing skills to win the possession game. Switzerland keeps it close, but Argentina wins 3-2.
Where and How to watch
These two teams will play each other at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo in front of over 60,000 fans. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST on Tuesday on ESPN. Fans can watch the live stream feed of the game on the WatchESPN app.
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