Argentina vs. Switzerland, 2014 World Cup: Messi and Di Maria fire Argentina through

Someone please go give all of these guys a hug.

Switzerland nooooooooooooooo

Noooooooooooooooo.

The tone for the match was set early on, with neither side looking particularly threatening going forward. Argentina saw more of the possession, though came up against a Swiss side intent on sitting deep and denying Lionel Messi any space to work his creative magic. The result was a lifeless, goalless game, two bored goalkeepers and millions of bored fans.

While Argentina grew increasingly frustrated with their lack of attacking bite, Switzerland were more than content to keep one of the most formidable attacks in the tournament quiet and hit them on the counter-attack. Their gameplan almost paid off five minutes before half time, though Josip Drmić chipped a defence-splitting Xherdan Shaqiri pass straight into the arms of a grateful Romero.

That’s an absurd dribbling move. All hail King Messi.

Switzerland only have one more substitution to make, while Argentina have two, which could provide the Albiceleste with a nice advantage over the next 30 minutes. They don’t have Sergio Aguero anymore, but they have Maxi Rodriguez to add some attacking punch or Lucas Biglia for fresh legs in midfield.

The ending really makes this.

Someone check on Diego Benaglio’s ribs.

Somehow, this one is still 0-0 after an hour.

HOW.

JUST KICK IT AT THE NET. I’m not entirely sure how this game is 0-0, both teams have been really bad in front of goal.

Guys. Guys. The ball’s right there. No over there. Dammit.

This is better than any chance Argentina have generated so far.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-

-HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*melts*

Alejandro Sabella has seemingly struggled to get his collection of outstanding individuals to function as a cohesive unit, too often relying on moments of individual brilliance from Messi to get themselves out of sticky situations. Switzerland could certainly take advantage if they’re on form, thanks to the attacking firepower offered up by the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Josip Drmić. However, against a fierce attack, it’s their defence that is the cause for concern.

They’re likely to sit back and invite pressure from Argentina, in the hope they’ll be able to take advantage of any space in behind on the counter-attack. But if they continue to defend poorly, it’s a pressure they’re not going to be able to withstand. If they’re to have any chance of winning the game, their centre-backs and deep midfield duo will have to be on top form.

Lionel Messi has been the big story of the tournament for the Albiceleste, and for good reasons. He’s been criticized for not playing as well for his country as he does for his club in the past, but he’s been at his best in this World Cup, and is looking like a Golden Ball favorite at the moment.

Match date/time: Tuesday, 12 p.m. ET

Switzerland are without centre-back Steve von Bergen after he sustained a facial fracture in the group stages, with Fabian Schär and Philippe Senderos doing battle over his spot in the centre of defence. Otherwise, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side will likely stay unchanged.

If the group stages have revealed anything about this Swiss team, it’s that their defence is nowhere near as strong as their attack. Though the inclusion of Fabian Schär at centre-back is a step up on Philippe Senderos, their chances of keeping a clean sheet against the Albiceleste’s fierce attack seems low. 3-1 Argentina.