Argentina and Switzerland are set to meet for the first time in the FIFA World Cup since their clash in 2014. La Albiceleste are looking to win the tournament for a second successive edition, and they are three wins from achieving their goal.
The Swiss have impressed greatly in this tournament, particularly with their compactness and ability to limit the opposition's attacks. They have won four games this summer, more than they have ever managed in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup.
The South American giants have made their way through the knockout rounds so far, winning 3-2 against Cape Verde and Egypt despite some unconvincing displays. Argentina are clear favourites heading into this encounter, having won each of their last 12 games and scored at least twice in each of their games in the tournament.
The last meeting of the sides in the Round of 16 in Brazil brought about extra-time, something that both sides have experienced in this tournament. Here are five key battles that will determine the outcome of this FIFA World Cup clash:
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez plays in the most offensive role among the starting midfielders for La Albiceleste. The 25-year-old has shown that he is capable of providing a significant threat for club and country, and scored the late winner against Egypt.
Remo Freuler plays as one member of the midfield pivot for Switzerland, and is usually stationed around Fernandez's areas of operation. The veteran midfielder must maintain strict positional discipline to keep tabs on the Chelsea man, whose ability to ghost into the box unmarked has improved greatly.
Nottingham Forest star Dan Ndoye has been a major outlet for Switzerland all tournament due to his pace and willingness to run in behind. He will likely come up against Nahuel Molina, who plays in a very advanced role for a right-back, and this could be a feast for the Swiss forward.
Molina must be made to limit his attacking involvements down the right and allow Rodrigo De Paul to take on most of the responsibility in possession. Failure to do so could see Ndoye freed up to wreak havoc on the Argentina backline.
On his day, Julian Alvarez is one of the world's best strikers, judging by the quality of his play and what he has shown over the years. The Argentina star has not been at his best in the FIFA World Cup this summer, but remains a threat to any backline.
Alvarez will test the partnership of Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi with his willingness to drop into deeper positions, almost like a false nine. The striker creates danger with his movement, and must be picked up by the centre-backs for Switzerland.
Striker Breel Embolo is Switzerland's primary pressure release valve due to his combination of pace and physicality. His hold-up play is impressive, and allows runners to get beyond him or play off of him.
The striker will come up against Cristian Romero, who is one of the most aggressive, front-footed defenders in the world. He will not decline to engage the striker high up the pitch, and can neutralize his threat and force Switzerland to surrender possession whenever they go long.
The battle of the main men will see Lionel Messi and Granit Xhaka duel in this one. Xhaka will rely on his experience and tactical intelligence to keep an eye on Messi, who is notorious for intentionally allowing the game to pass him by, at times.
Argentina's best plays in this FIFA World Cup have all gone through Messi, and Xhaka knows that he can stop La Albiceleste if he stops their talisman. The Sunderland man will hope to do what no one has done succesfully so far in the FIFA World Cup this summer by targeting the 39-year-old.
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