Xhaka Urges Switzerland to Dream Big Ahead of Argentina Showdown

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has urged his team and supporters to continue believing as they prepare for Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against defending champions Argentina.

Speaking in Kansas City on Friday, Xhaka said Switzerland were determined to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

“I always dream, and dreams can come true,” Xhaka said.

“If we want to achieve our dreams, we must work hard, give everything and push beyond our limits. That is what it will take to beat Argentina.”

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin acknowledged the challenge of containing Lionel Messi but insisted his side had prepared thoroughly.

“We have many solutions,” Yakin said.

“We will play as a team, press high and try to execute our plan on the pitch.”

Messi heads into the match as the tournament’s joint-leading scorer with eight goals, but Xhaka believes Switzerland can limit his influence.

“It is impossible to stop him completely for 90 minutes,” he admitted.

“But we must stay compact, close the spaces and be intelligent. When we have possession, he cannot hurt us as much.”

Yakin also confirmed that midfielder Johan Manzambi has failed to recover from injury and will miss the quarter-final.