MulattoCell27
Iron
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SMD Messi D-riders
I think people are massively underrating how complete this Swiss team has looked.
Argentina
But Nico Elvedi deserves way more credit.
Against Colombia he was quietly one of our best players. Barely lost duels, constantly covered space behind Akanji, won important headers and almost never looked rushed on the ball.
He's one of those defenders you barely notice because he almost never makes mistakes.
Exactly the type of CB you need against Messi.
Against Colombia he kept us alive for 120 minutes, then saved Hernández's penalty after Akanji had already missed ours.
Without Kobel we're probably already home.
Xhaka controls the tempo and never panics.
Rieder brought so much energy against Colombia whenever he got on the ball. Rieder especially looked fearless every time he turned between the lines instead of just recycling possession.
People only notice goals and assists, but tournaments are won because of players like these.
We don't.
Yakin changes systems depending on the opponent.
Against Colombia he made tactical changes after losing Manzambi and Switzerland still looked organized for 120 minutes.
Meanwhile Scaloni has basically admitted Switzerland is one of the best-organized teams left, and Swiss players themselves have said they see spaces in Argentina's structure they believe they can exploit.
3 goals.
2 assists.
Probably our most dangerous attacker.
But if there's one team that can absorb losing its best attacker, it's Switzerland.
This squad has been about structure, work rate and discipline from day one.
Everyone expects Argentina to.
Imagine it's still 0-0 after 70 or 80 minutes.
The stadium gets nervous.
Every missed chance increases the pressure.
Messi is 39 and this could realistically be his last World Cup run.
That's a completely different kind of pressure than what Switzerland is playing with.
That's inevitable.
But I don't think Argentina dominates this game.
Elvedi and Akanji have been one of the best CB pairings in the tournament.
Kobel is playing out of his mind.
Xhaka, Freuler and Zakaria won't let Argentina control midfield as easily as people think.
I think it stays level after 120 minutes.
And if this goes to penalties again...
I'm taking Kobel over Martínez.
I think people are massively underrating how complete this Swiss team has looked.
Argentina
- conceded 5 goals in their last 3 knockout games
- needed a comeback against Egypt
- struggled against Cape Verde
- looked shaky whenever teams stayed disciplined instead of trying to outplay them
Switzerland is probably the hardest defensive team they'll face.
People always praise Akanji, and rightfully so.But Nico Elvedi deserves way more credit.
Against Colombia he was quietly one of our best players. Barely lost duels, constantly covered space behind Akanji, won important headers and almost never looked rushed on the ball.
He's one of those defenders you barely notice because he almost never makes mistakes.
Exactly the type of CB you need against Messi.
Kobel has been insane.
I honestly think he's been the best keeper at the tournament.Against Colombia he kept us alive for 120 minutes, then saved Hernández's penalty after Akanji had already missed ours.
Without Kobel we're probably already home.
The midfield isn't getting enough respect.
Zakaria covers an absurd amount of ground and breaks up so many counters.Xhaka controls the tempo and never panics.
Rieder brought so much energy against Colombia whenever he got on the ball. Rieder especially looked fearless every time he turned between the lines instead of just recycling possession.
People only notice goals and assists, but tournaments are won because of players like these.
Yakin deserves way more credit.
People still think Switzerland parks the bus.We don't.
Yakin changes systems depending on the opponent.
Against Colombia he made tactical changes after losing Manzambi and Switzerland still looked organized for 120 minutes.
Meanwhile Scaloni has basically admitted Switzerland is one of the best-organized teams left, and Swiss players themselves have said they see spaces in Argentina's structure they believe they can exploit.
Losing Manzambi hurts.
No point pretending otherwise.3 goals.
2 assists.
Probably our most dangerous attacker.
But if there's one team that can absorb losing its best attacker, it's Switzerland.
This squad has been about structure, work rate and discipline from day one.
Pressure matters.
Nobody expects Switzerland to win.Everyone expects Argentina to.
Imagine it's still 0-0 after 70 or 80 minutes.
The stadium gets nervous.
Every missed chance increases the pressure.
Messi is 39 and this could realistically be his last World Cup run.
That's a completely different kind of pressure than what Switzerland is playing with.
My prediction
Messi will get his moments.That's inevitable.
But I don't think Argentina dominates this game.
Elvedi and Akanji have been one of the best CB pairings in the tournament.
Kobel is playing out of his mind.
Xhaka, Freuler and Zakaria won't let Argentina control midfield as easily as people think.
I think it stays level after 120 minutes.
And if this goes to penalties again...
I'm taking Kobel over Martínez.
