Messi of the Alps out to conquer Argentina

Xherdan Shaqiri, dubbed 'the Messi of the Alps' thanks to his World Cup hat-trick, hopes to conquer new peaks when Switzerland faces Argentina in Tuesday's last 16 clash.Shaqiri lived up to his flattering nickname with a hat-trick in his team's 3-0 romp against Honduras in their final group match to set up Tuesday's last 16 clash in Sao Paulo against Lionel Messi and Argentina."It's a dream tie for us, little Switzerland is facing a big challenge," said the 22-year-old as Swiss newspaper Blick proudly boasted "We have our own Messi"."We have achieved something big as little Switzerland, I am proud of my three goals."Anything is possible now in the last 16."Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in six previous attempts and are also bidding to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 60 years.Shaqiri proved his form with a hat-trick in their final group match to set up Tuesday's last 16 dream clash."He has already showed what he is capable off. Xherdan wrote a page of history against Honduras," said Switzerland's German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld as the Swiss chase an historic win."If we put in a similar performance, then we also have a chance against Argentina."In their most recent meeting, the Swiss were drawing with Argentina in a Bern friendly in February 2012 until Messi hit two late goals to claim his first international hat-trick in a 3-1 victory.Shaqiri's Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has said Argentina's 'Seleccion' must be on their guard against the pint-sized winger whose prefered nickname 'XS' is at odds with his body-builder physique."They must pay close attention to Xherdan Shaqiri," said Guardiola during a World Cup event in Buenos Aires."He's dangerous in the penalty area, because he's quick and can shoot very well."At Bayern, he's often only a replacement, but when he comes on he always does well."It's a gift to have a player like him at the club and in his own country, he's a god."Having played second fiddle to left wing Franck Ribery at Bayern, Shaqiri is revelling in his role in the middle as an attacking midfielder with Switzerland.The ex-FC Basel star first announced himself on the international stage with a superb goal against England in a 3-1 defeat in a Euro 2012 qualifier. Against Honduras, Shaqiri became the first Swiss player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1954 -- when they last reached the quarter-finals.Two of Shaqiri's goals came from assists by Swiss striker Josep Drmic and the future Bayer Leverkusen player is hoping for more of the same against Argentina."Of course, as a striker you always want to score, but I'm happy to have been able to provide as well," said Drmic."We've proven we work well as a duo, let's hope that continues."

Source: AFP