Switzerland Ready to Test Argentina After Colombia Shootout Win

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says his team is hungry to spring a major surprise when they face defending champions Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in Kansas City. Several of his teammates say they are simply thrilled at the chance to share a pitch with Lionel Messi for the first time.

Switzerland reached the last eight by beating Colombia on penalties in the round of 16. Argentina advanced after coming from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2. Murat Yakin's side head into the match on an eight-game unbeaten run.

Xhaka: pressure is a good thing

Xhaka told Swiss outlet Nau.ch that reaching this stage of the tournament has only sharpened his team's appetite to go further.

"When you're this close, the hunger is even greater. It's a very good kind of pressure we have now, we want to keep going."

• Granit Xhaka, Switzerland captain

He also spoke about what it means to face Messi at this stage of his career, calling it a privilege to play in the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Xhaka added that detailed analysis of Argentina would begin the following day.

Facing Messi a career highlight for several players

Striker Cedric Itten and midfielder Remo Freuler both said facing Messi is a special moment regardless of the result.

"It doesn't get much better than being able to play against Messi. He's in good form, and we definitely need to be ready for the next game."

• Cedric Itten, Switzerland striker

Freuler, who has never faced Messi before, said Switzerland "deserved" their place in the quarter-finals but insisted the team won't settle for just reaching this stage.

"I've never played against Messi in my career, that's certainly something special. We deserved to reach the quarter-finals against Argentina. But one thing is clear: we won't be satisfied with that. We'll give it our all."

• Remo Freuler, Switzerland midfielder

Fabian Rieder said he never imagined as a young player that he would one day face Messi, calling the upcoming match "another cool game in a cool stadium."

"As a junior, I never would have imagined that I would one day play against Messi. So it's all the more wonderful that it's happening now."

• Fabian Rieder, Switzerland midfielder

Warnings over Argentina's fighting spirit

Forward Breel Embolo and winger Ruben Vargas both pointed to Argentina's comeback against Egypt as proof of the challenge ahead. Embolo said most people would have backed Egypt to win after 70 minutes, but Argentina's refusal to give up is what sets them apart.

"Egypt showed what's possible. After 70 minutes, everyone would probably have bet on Egypt. But Argentina never gives up, that's what makes them special. And Argentina has the best player of all time, which makes the match a bit more special. Respect? Yes, we have that. But we know we can hurt any opponent. Including them, we're hungry."

• Breel Embolo, Switzerland forward

Vargas said Switzerland are well aware of what world champions Argentina are capable of, but stressed that anything can happen at this tournament.

"We all know what Argentina is capable of. They are a tournament team. They are world champions, but anything is possible at this tournament."

• Ruben Vargas, Switzerland winger

Key facts at a glance

• Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals.
• Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0, advancing to the same stage.
• The quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina is being played in Kansas City.
• Switzerland go into the match on an eight-game unbeaten run.
• Several Swiss players, including Itten, Freuler and Rieder, will face Messi for the first time.