World Cup: Today’s games

Argentina v Switzerland(Sao Paulo, 5pm)

Lionel Messi is on form, they finished top of their group thanks to three wins and face a team who, while strong in attack, have looked shaky at the back. Can Messi do it all on his own, though? Even Diego Maradona had assistance in 1986. Messi has been tremendous so far, scoring in every game and Switzerland’s centre-halves could endure a difficult evening — especially if the bumbling, stumbling Johan Djourou continues where he left off against Honduras — but you feel that at some stage Messi will be surrounded by better opposition and that is when someone else will need to step up. Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side, who will have the hosts’ support, could cause them problems if they can give Xherdan Shaqiri and Josip Drmic enough ball, but there should only be one outcome.

Verdict: Argentina

Belgium v USA(Salvador, 9pm)

Belgium have become accustomed to doing just enough to win but there is a nagging sense that there is more to come. The USA, meanwhile, have captured the imagination back at home thanks to a mixture of hard work and some good, entertaining football. Belgium are justifiably the favourites but the trends indicate it will be close. If Marc Wilmots’ team have failed to dazzle in attack, as was predicted, they have been defensively resilient. Still, worries over the fitness of Vincent Kompany (pictured) will give the USA a boost. Notably, all of Belgium’s goals have come in the last 20 minutes of games, so if Jurgen Klinsmann’s team can start strongly, they could make it a very interesting evening at the stadium which has produced the best games of the tournament.

Verdict: Belgium