Intro:

Switzerland go into their World Cup last 16 game against pre-tournament favourites Argentina as outsiders to reach the quarter-finals.

Script:

Switzerland face pre-tournament favourites Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, knowing that they are rank outsiders to reach their first quarter final in 60 years.

Key to their hopes of springing a shock will surely be the form of talisman Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Bayern Munich man scored a hat-trick in the final group game against Honduras, and captain Gokhan Inler knows how pivotal his role will be.

SOUNDBITE (German): Gokhan Inler, Switzerland captain (On Xherdan Shaqiri):

"I think that he is an important player. He is short. He is fast. That's why he's had so much success. But I think he needs a good team backing him up. He needs good technicians to keep him in the game to give him that freedom. We, the midfield, can provide that freedom as well. The midfield will feed him and he does a great job playing upfront, the key is to not make him predictable.

Head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld meanwhile is retiring after the World Cup.

He believes this game won't be his last.

SOUNDBITE (German): Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach:

"I always prepare so that we can continue and I am certainly looking forward to this huge sporting challenge. And, of course, with the Swiss national team we have thought together with the staff to include the quarter finals so I don't think it is going to be my last match (in charge of Switzerland)."

The winners will take on either Belgium or the USA for a place in the semi-finals.