Argentina were unimpressive overall in the group stage of World Cup 2014, despite recording maximum points, but I suspect they are about to hit top gear and Switzerland could well be on the end of a hiding on Tuesday.
So often fancied to go well at the finals, Argentina frequently peaked too early before exiting prior to the party really getting started but it has been different this time around.
The goals of Lionel Messi, four in his side’s opening three matches, have been key but Argentina don’t have to solely rely on their star man and it is time others stepped up to the mark.
Argentina will be without injured striker Sergio Aguero in Sao Paulo but, with Ezequiel Lavezzi set to take his place in a continued three-man attack, also comprising Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, the threat is considerable and Switzerland were torn apart by France when crushed 5-2 last week.
That reversal at the hands of the French was a surprise, Switzerland rarely concede, even against the best, and it was to their credit that they bounced back to beat Honduras to qualify.
The 3-0 win over the Central Americans, thanks to a Xherdan Shaqiri hat-trick, was impressive but the enormous step up in class to face the tournament second favourites is expected to find out Switzerland and how they deal with Messi will be key.
The Barcelona man bagged a brace in the 3-2 win over Nigeria last time out and, if afforded the same sort of space by Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men, could wreak havoc once more.
The winners of this Last 16 clash will face either Belgium or USA for a likely semi-final meeting with the Netherlands and Argentina will never get a better opportunity to win the biggest prize of all for the first time since 1986.
In Messi they certainly possess the biggest player and their captain, and talisman, is tipped to prolong their summer vacation in the home of their great rivals by at least one more match.
2pts Back Argentina (-1, vs. Switzerland) @ 9/10 (Bet 365)