United States supporters react at a recent game at the World Cup in Brazil
Tonight's two matches will be the final matches in the Round of 16. So far, Cup favourites such as Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, France have not disappointed and moved into the quarter-finals with the less fancied teams Costa Rica and Colombia. The other tournament favourite, Argentina, will know their fate tonight versus European minnows Switzerland in Sao Paulo. The other decider will be between the high-flying Belgium and United States.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Tricky tie to predict. Argentine will be the favourites but Switzerland are no pushovers. For Argentina, individual brilliance from Lionel Messi decided the outcome for most of the matches but for this match, Alejandro Sabella will want all his charges to contribute.
Sabella, who used to be Daniel Passarella’s assistant in Parma, Uruguay and Mexican club Monterrey will use the same first eleven for this tie but he knows, Messi is the man to bring this team forward.
The Barcelona playmaker has scored four goals in three games and will look to score more and help his country qualify for the quarter-finals. Sergio Aguero will miss this match and he looks set to be replaced with Ezequiel Lavezzi who will be tasked to provide the chances for Messi and Gonzalo Higuain.
Switzerland's coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has made Switzerland a force to be reckoned with in world football. With a good mixture of experience and youth in the team, Hitzfeld will surely go in with a positive attitude.
Xerdan Shaqiri has scored three times in three games and if Switzerland needs inspiration, they will look for this 22-year-old playmaker. Gokhan Inler, who just celebrated his 30th birthday, is the calming presence in midfield and Hitzfeld will surely rely on Inler to curb the Argentinian attacks.
This will be one tense tactical battle and based on all the second round matches that we’ve seen, any team is capable of winning it. I’m going for a 2-1 for Argentina.
Belgium vs United States
This is one match that is tough to predict. Both sides have what it takes to go to the next round. When it comes to squad strength, Belgium aces it but when it comes to surprise element - The Yanks have an edge.
Under Marc Wilmots, Belgium have looked nervy in their first three matches but they somehow come out victorious in their games. Led by the mercurial Eden Hazard, Belgium will rely on their attacking talents to win this match.
Romelu Lukaku’s lack of goals is a cause for concern and he will surely want to open his account by scoring against the Americans. The defence led by Vincent Kompany is also strong and even their pivots like Maroune Fellaini and Axel Witsel can do a good job on their day.
United States led by Jurgen Klinsmann looked convincing in a tough group and he will hope to lead this side to the quarter-finals for the second time in their World Cup history.
Players like Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones, DaMarcus Beasley and Kyle Beckerman will be the key players for this tie and if they hit top form, Belgium will have to be on their toes against this very technical side.
Who will win this tie? It’s going to be an open affair but I’m expecting the Americans to surprise the Belgians 2-1. Game might go into extra time.
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