) in the semi-finals.
Switzerland.
They somehow always manage to get further in tournaments than seems plausible; there's something about them that seems to discourage proper analysis.
And they can defend.
Argentina cannot exist in this state of high emotion forever, surely, and then they're a game against another familiar European side from the final.
Most important player left in the tournament
In a tournament where the superstars have all come to the party, Messi has defied his advancing years, Mbappé has been unplayable and Harry Kane has carried on where he left off at Bayern Munich.
But there is something about Haaland's swagger after seeing off Brazil that makes him compelling viewing. England beware.
Kane. Without his goal against Panama, England might not finish first in Group L.
Without his brace against DR Congo in Atlanta, England might not advance out of the last 32.
Without his penalty and assist in the last 16, England might not survive the Azteca and beat Mexico.
He's their most essential piece.
Maybe it's too obvious, but it has to be Messi.
He has scored 70% of Argentina's goals, some of them with a degree of difficulty that would make an Olympic diver shudder.
He has put the team on his shoulders.
It's tempting to overthink this, but it's still Messi.
Argentina remain a very good side, yet he is still the difference between 'very good' and 'repeat World Cup champions'.
The Albiceleste can survive a poor half, even a poor 80 minutes, because they know the best player on the pitch only needs one moment.
