Read for 2 minutes9 Jul 2026 03:06 PM IST
Argentina have played two grueling but thrilling matches against Cape Verde and Egypt, both of which went down to the wire. The game against Cape Verde went into extra time, while Argentina won in normal time against Egypt, but physical exhaustion showed in patches.
Switzerland, who defeated Murat Yakin, are confident that their side can defeat Argentina. “According to their last two matches, we can see that they are vulnerable. We are capable of stopping the world champions,” he said.
He added, “I think we have earned the respect of our opponents. Tactically, it is going to be an interesting match. We are capable of beating the world champions. It is a big moment for a country like Switzerland to play in the quarter-finals against Argentina. So the expectations are very high. I think it will take a few more hours, maybe what will happen for us will actually happen.”
Switzerland’s midfielder Jibril So also expressed the same sentiment. “For us, it’s a very special match. For us, it’s the first time to play in the quarterfinals against a team that is one of the favorites to win the cup. I think it’s going to be very difficult, but I see a chance to win. We’re capable of beating great teams, like we did in recent years like France in 2020.”
In a match with some fireworks, the Swiss held their own against the Colombians and their enthusiastic fans.
After a goalless draw, Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty and Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Switzerland had not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since hosting the tournament in 1954. And Switzerland were short-handed on Tuesday without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was injured during training on Monday.
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Vargas, who scored two World Cup goals, also left Monday’s practice early but arrived in stoppage time after regulation.