Switzerland's head coach, Murat Yakin, has stated that he believes Argentina is showing signs of vulnerability as the two teams prepare to face off in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Yakin acknowledged that the match against Argentina, the reigning world champions, represents the toughest challenge yet for his Swiss squad.
"We're playing against the world champion. There's nothing better than having this opportunity. But it's also been clear, over the last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable," Yakin said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Argentina has had narrow victories in the knockout stages, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 and Egypt 3-2. Switzerland also advanced through close contests, with a 2-0 win over Algeria in the Round of 32 followed by a penalty shootout victory against Colombia.
"I think we have earned our opponents' respect. Tactically, it's going to be an interesting match. We are capable of rattling the world champions," Yakin added. "For a nation like Switzerland, playing a quarter-final against Argentina is a massive moment. So, expectations are huge."
During their Round of 16 win against Egypt, Argentina benefited from a disallowed goal by VAR and another goal that stood despite claims of a foul in the penalty box by Egyptian players.
In preparation for potentially unfavorable calls, Swiss players have reportedly been participating in intrasquad scrimmages with uneven player numbers, such as 11 against 10, 11 against 9, and 11 against 8. Additionally, Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is said to be dedicating up to two hours daily to penalty shootout practice.
"I think I'll still need a few hours, maybe even a day, to fully realize what is happening to us," Yakin commented on his team's achievement in reaching this stage.
