Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka expected to start against Argentina in World Cup quarterfinal
Xhaka’s Availability Confirmed for Crucial Match
Switzerland is set to face a significant challenge in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals as they prepare to take on defending champions Argentina on July 11. Ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, reports indicate that Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is expected to be available and will likely lead his team. There have been no reports suggesting any injury or suspension for Xhaka, making his inclusion in the starting lineup probable.
The official starting lineup will be confirmed closer to kickoff, but all indications point towards Xhaka being ready to play. His presence is considered vital for Switzerland, especially against a formidable opponent like Argentina. Xhaka, who is 33 years old, has been a central figure in Switzerland‘s midfield throughout their World Cup campaign, and he is anticipated to maintain his position in the starting XI.
Pre-match analyses have consistently featured Xhaka as one of Switzerland‘s key players, with no signs of him missing the quarterfinal due to fitness issues or disciplinary actions. His leadership qualities, passing accuracy, and extensive experience in high-stakes matches are considered crucial assets for the Swiss side.
Significance of Xhaka’s Role and Messi’s Form
Against a strong Argentina team, which boasts world-class talent, Switzerland will rely on Xhaka to manage possession, regulate the game’s pace when necessary, and help organize the team’s midfield. His composure on the ball and his ability to switch play effectively could be instrumental if Switzerland aims to compete successfully with the reigning champions.
Xhaka has had a distinguished career in Swiss football, making his international debut as a teenager and eventually becoming the national team captain. He is also one of the most-capped players for Switzerland. At the club level, he has played for prominent European teams such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen, securing major domestic trophies during his tenure. His combined experience from both club and international football is seen as one of Switzerland‘s greatest strengths heading into the quarterfinal.
While Switzerland enters the quarterfinal as the underdog, Xhaka‘s presence instills confidence within the team. His capacity to dictate play, win important duels, and inspire his teammates has been fundamental to Switzerland‘s past successes. Should the Swiss aim for a memorable victory over Argentina and a spot in the World Cup semifinals, their captain is expected to play a leading role.
Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed no surprise regarding Lionel Messi‘s physical condition at 39, affirming his belief that Messi will remain the world’s best player for as long as he chooses to continue playing. Messi has been pivotal in Argentina‘s World Cup campaign, having scored eight goals in five matches, placing him just behind France‘s Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, despite Mbappe having played one more game.
The forward was also instrumental in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the round of 16. He has now become the leading scorer in World Cup history, accumulating 21 goals throughout his career. In the match against the North African side, the Argentinian talisman scored once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after his team was trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining. The Inter Miami forward arrived at his sixth World Cup after recently recovering from a muscle strain, which had raised some questions about his fitness.
Argentina’s Preparedness and Potential Lineup
Scaloni noted that Messi‘s running statistics are consistent across matches. He highlighted that Messi‘s preparation with his fitness coach has been effective. The coach emphasized that Messi is giving his all, and when he feels he can create danger, he performs exceptionally. Despite missing two penalties against Egypt and Austria, Scaloni stated that he would not remove Messi from penalty-taking duties. He affirmed that Messi has the freedom to decide whether to take penalties or not, and to make his own decisions on the field.
Scaloni also mentioned that those who expected age to affect Messi‘s performance do not know the player well enough. He reiterated his long-held belief that Messi will remain the best player as long as he desires. Argentina is set to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals in Kansas City. Scaloni commended Switzerland, noting that they reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.
Scaloni acknowledged that there are no easy opponents at this stage of the tournament. He described Switzerland as a strong team that consistently competes with top national teams. He highlighted their World Cup tradition, experienced players, and physical strength. If Argentina triumphs over Switzerland, they would advance to face either England or Norway in the semifinals. The rumored starting eleven for Argentina against Switzerland, according to SC_ESPN, could be the same lineup that secured the 3-2 victory against Egypt: Emiliano Martínez; Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, Romero, Molina; Enzo, Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul, Julián Álvarez and Messi.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
