Switzerland and Argentina Clash in World Cup Quarterfinal with History at Stake

Switzerland faces Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 1954, with the Swiss seeking to break a 72-year semifinal drought while the defending champions aim to continue their title defense. The match revives memories of their 2014 round-of-16 encounter, when Argentina won 1-0 with a goal from Ángel Di María Source: Infobae, Clarin.

Key absences

Switzerland will be without Johan Manzambi, a standout young midfielder with three goals in the tournament, due to a knee injury Source: Excelsior. "We tried everything but he won't be able to play," said coach Murat Yakin Source: El Nacional.

The mood

Granit Xhaka, one of three survivors from 2014 (alongside Ricardo Rodríguez and Messi), dismissed talk of revenge: "We don't speak about vengeance... This is a different team" Source: CNN. However, former player Ezequiel Schelotto noted the Swiss see it as a revancha Source: La Voz. Argentina's assistant Walter Samuel labeled Switzerland "a tough, physical team" but emphasized Argentina's own game Source: La Voz.

What's next

The winner faces England or Norway in the semifinals Source: La Jornada MX. Argentina relies on a resurgent Messi, who has eight goals, while Switzerland boasts a solid defense that conceded only three goals so far.