Argentina v Switzerland: Back more Messi magic at 8/1 and a 4/1 Swiss Bet Builder

Dramatic Argentina to pull through again

Click here for Argentina v Switzerland odds
Sunday 12 July, 02:00 kick-off
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Live on ITV

One way or another Argentina got out of jail against Egypt, whether from Lionel Messi's brilliance or a helping hand from the officials (or a bit of both) they moved a step closer to becoming the first back-to-back World Cup winners since Brazil in 1962.

Argentina are 4/61.67 to beat a Switzerland side in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, who toughed it out in a penalty shootout against Colombia. Tough is the word for Murat Yakin's men as they've had just one defeat in 19, and that being a friendly.

So despite being 5/16.00 the Swiss will offer stubborn resistence here and be more than dangerous with long balls and playing on the break. Egypt exposed a huge weakness on the counter in the last round - one that probably should've ended Argentina's reign.

The draw and extra-time is 13/53.60 and the Swiss showed they're not scared of a stalemate in the last round - Argentina were taken the distance by Cape Verde and have played more World Cup extra-time than any other nation.

Either team in extra-time is 15/28.50 and well on the radar here - and how about penalties again at 4/15.00.

And here's a fun fact, Switzerland have not been behind for one single minute in any game during this World Cup - and that includes during qualifying!

Six of seven World Cup knockouts for Argentina have seen both teams score and they've scored 2+ goals in their last 11 in the finals - the combination of their defensive flaws and their sheer will to win has been a dramaic combination so far, but after the fright of the last round don't be surprised if this is more of a slow burner. Backing the half-time draw at 11/102.11 makes sense.

But ultimately how do you back against Messi and his merry men? I wouldn't be surprised if it goes beyond 90 minutes but I'll take them to get though in regulation this time.

Get 8/19.00 on another Messi Bet Builder

How long do we keep backing Messi? Well until he stops producing of course! He's scored in every game so far and along with being joint top scorer he's got the biggest expected assists (2.6) and created the most big chances (6) in the tournament, along with topping the averages with 6.4 shots and 3.7 shots on target per 90 minutes played.

He's second in xG per 90 minutes though, to Mark Arnautovic would you believe! And he's been fouled once every 31 minutes or so on average.

So those are the mind boggling stats, what are the bets? Keep it simple and double your money with an OddsBoost of 1/12.00 for Messi to score anytime - simple, no-brainer approach but it's hit every time so far.

One of the Match Stat Specials offers 10/111.00 on Messi to have 4+ shots on target and be fouled 4+ times, which has actually landed twice this tournament. Both times I've gone lower and backed Messi 3+ shots on target and 3+ fouled which this time is just under 3/14.00.

A sneaky one is to back Messi for 2+ tackles at 5/23.50 - not your conventional bet but he's had one tackle in four of five games and two tackles twice - including against Austria who are close not only geographically but in their style of play to Switzerland.

While tempted to go big for the 10/111.00 shot I'll stick to my 3+ shots on target and 3+ fouls against for Messi, but also add the inevitable goal and his love of a tackle to create my own Bet Builder of around 8/19.00 that hits every part of the Messi performance stats.

Go under the radar with 4/15.00 Swiss special

There are other players involved of course - Enzo Fernandez scored with a bullet header to win it against Egypt and he's an OddsBoost at 6/17.00 just for 1+ header on target.

I'm a bit hesistant on Swizterland in their attacking stats as Argentina have only allowed nine shots on target, and a total xG allowed of just 3.0 in the entire World Cup so far - although five of those were goals!

So it's a combination of a rocket or two from Cape Verde and giving up two clear-cut chances to Egypt (three with that disallowed goal) so the Swiss will have to do the very best with what they get.

Dan Ndoye is a great Bet Builder man with his love of both shots and winning fouls - averaging 3.64 shots and 1.68 shots on target per 90 along with winning 4.4 fouls on average.

The Dan Ndoye 3+ shots and 3+ fouls won won't be as popular as the Messi Bet Builder but that 4/15.00 double has every bit as good a chance of landing.

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