New Delhi, July 7: Team India and FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan expects tactical discipline and defensive organisation to be the deciding factors as the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 concludes with Argentina facing Egypt and Switzerland taking on Colombia.
The Indian defender backed the world champions to tighten things up defensively after their 3-2 victory over Cabo Verde in the Round of 32. He further insisted that one below-par performance should never be taken as the yardstick of judgment for a side that possesses so many superstars within its ranks.
"We tend to judge a defence too quickly after one game, but if you look at Argentina over the last 10 to 15 matches, they've been extremely solid defensively. Conceding two goals against Cabo
Verde doesn't suddenly make them vulnerable. They'll treat that performance as a minor setback, and I expect them to be much more organised against Egypt," Jhingan said.
Egypt's Counter-Attack And Mo Salah Will Be Biggest Asset For 'Pharaohs'
For Egypt, the Indian defender feels that Mohamed Salah & Omar Marmoush's pace will be the biggest weapon for the Pharaohs to hit Albiceleste on the counter.
"Egypt are likely to defend deep and wait for moments to break quickly because that's where they are most dangerous. Argentina, however, is exceptional at winning the ball back immediately after losing possession. Their counter-press is one of the best in international football. If Egypt wants to reduce Lionel Messi's influence, stopping him directly won't be enough. They need to disrupt the service from Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, because that's where Argentina's attacks begin," he added.
Swiss Possession Style vs Colombia's Aggressive Attack From Flanks
Speaking about the other game of the Round of 16, Jhingan urged Switzerland to stick to their possession-based philosophy in an attempt to weed out Colombia's aggressive game on the flanks.
"Switzerland shouldn't move away from their build-up play. Inviting pressure is often the objective because once the opposition commits players forward, spaces naturally open up behind them. If they can play through Colombia's press with one or two quick passes, they'll create dangerous attacking situations," he explained.
Jhingan also praised Colombia's balance in midfield and attacking quality but believes Switzerland has the tactical discipline and defensive organisation to trouble the South American side.
He highlighted James RodrÍguez's ability to dictate play from midfield and Luis DÍaz's pace as two of Colombia's biggest strengths, describing them as one of the tournament's most complete teams. At the same time, he pointed to Switzerland's compact defensive structure and well-drilled midfield as qualities that could help them neutralise Colombia's attacking threats. Jhingan also identified Manzambi as Switzerland's X-factor, saying the forward has added a new attacking dimension to the team.
Looking ahead to the contest, Jhingan expects a closely fought encounter but believes Switzerland could have the edge. He feels the match is likely to be decided by which side makes fewer mistakes in midfield and shows better decision-making in key moments.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on Zee 5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.
