Switzerland faces Argentina challenge without Manzambi, no desire for revenge

Switzerland enters the World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina with a significant challenge: the absence of their star player, Johan Manzambi. The young midfielder, a revelation of the tournament, will miss the crucial match on July 11 due to a left knee injury sustained in training.

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Johan unfortunately cannot play tomorrow. We tried to get Johan fit, but it's not possible yet.

Manzambi has been instrumental for Switzerland, contributing to five goals with three goals and two assists. "Johan unfortunately cannot play tomorrow. We tried to get Johan fit, but it's not possible yet," said coach Murat Yakin. Yakin lamented the player's condition, stating, "He is in a lot of pain and it is very hard for us." Manzambi also missed Switzerland's round of 16 victory over Colombia.

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He is in a lot of pain and it is very hard for us.

Despite Manzambi's absence, Switzerland remains determined to challenge the reigning world champions. Captain Granit Xhaka stressed that the team is not seeking revenge for their 2014 World Cup encounter, where Argentina narrowly won. "We are not talking about revenge. This will be a very different match from 2014," Xhaka stated. "Right now, we are in the quarterfinals and we want to win. That is our main objective for tomorrow's game."

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We are not talking about revenge. This will be a very different match from 2014. Right now, we are in the quarterfinals and we want to win. That is our main objective for tomorrow's game.

Coach Yakin confirmed he has "several solutions" to collectively counter Lionel Messi, who is the tournament's joint top scorer. "Tomorrow, on the field, we will act as a block," the coach asserted. Argentina, seeking to keep the World Cup trophy in South America, faces an undefeated Swiss side. A victory for Argentina would position them as the sole non-European team in the semifinals.

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Tomorrow, on the field, we will act as a block.