World Cup Opta Stats: Argentina and Belgium to shine

Thibaut Courtois is one of Belgium's many great defensive talents

Michael Lintorn has examined the Opta stats and found cause to fancy Argentina and Belgium to prosper...

Argentina v Switzerland
Tuesday, 17:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: Argentina 1.528/15, Switzerland 8.07/1, The Draw 4.57/2

Switzerland have lost four of their previous six World Cup matches against South American nations

There isn't much to encourage support for Switzerland ahead of their round-of-16 collision with an Argentina side who boast a perfect winning record at this World Cup. Ottmar Hitzfeld's men haven't been beyond this stage since hosting the tournament in 1954, and have lost four of their six prior meetings with the Albiceleste, the most recent of which was a half-time/full-time reverse in 2012.

Recommended Bet: Back Argentina to win @ 1.528/15

Lionel Messi has netted four goals in his three appearances at World Cup 2014

Messi has gone from appearing World Cup-cursed after seven successive scoreless showings to absolutely bossing the competition this time around, with each of his four Group F strikes rather special. Switzerland's record of seven shutouts in their last ten World Cup fixtures is impressive, but undermined by shipping five the last time they faced a team in range of Argentina's quality (France).

Recommended Bet: Back Messi to score @ 1.774/5

Belgium v USA
Tuesday, 21:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: Belgium 2.0811/10, USA 4.216/5, The Draw 3.55/2

Belgium have won three successive World Cup games for the first time

Without even coming close to performing to their full potential, Belgium secured their place in the knockout phase as group winners with a 100% victory rate and just one Algeria penalty sullying their goals against column. USA did well to get out of fiendish Group G, yet did so with only one triumph to their name, while they have ventured beyond this round at a mere one of the last six World Cups.

Recommended Bet: Back Belgium to win @ 2.0811/10

Belgium have kept clean sheets in three of their last four clashes with USA

Belgium haven't conceded from open play in Brazil, which perhaps isn't surprising when they have the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Vincent Kompany (a slight injury doubt) in their defensive armoury. USA aren't nearly as blessed up front, a situation that won't be amended by the possible return of Jozy Altidore. A second blank in a row - and fourth in five against Belgium - is the likely result.

Best Bet: Back Belgium to keep a clean sheet @ 2.447/5