Upstart Switzerland takes its shot at Argentina | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, face Switzerland in Saturday’s quarterfinal with a clear contrast in experience and results. Argentina’s squad includes Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi, while Switzerland has never reached the semifinals and last appeared in the quarterfinal in 1954. The match comes after Argentina needed a late rally to beat Egypt after trailing 2-0 in the final 11 minutes, following a tougher-than-expected run before that. Switzerland enters on momentum after beating Colombia on penalty kicks and keeping only three goals conceded in five matches. Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji are tasked with containing Messi, with additional defensive support from Remo Freuler, Nico Elvedi and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The winner advances to play either Norway or England on Wednesday in Atlanta, with the game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.