Time and Situation: Redefined!

জিপিএ ৫ এবং কিছু সাধারণ কথা!

আমাদের শিক্ষার মানদন্ড বুঝি মাপবার এখন একটাই পথ, তাহলো প্রতিবছর এসএসসি এবং এইচএসসি-তে কি পরিমান বা কতো পার্সেন্ট জিপিএ ৫-ধারীদের সংখ্যা বাড়লো!

অবাক করা বিষয় বৈকি! এটাই যদি গোটা দেশের শিক্ষার অবস্থা তদুপরি একজন ছাত্রের মান-ইজ্জতের নির্ণায়ক হয়, তবে আর বাকি 'গ্রেড'-গুলো রাখবার দরকার কি? সহজেই বলে দিলে হলো, ৮০% এর উপর প্রতি সাবজেক্টে মার্কস্‌ যে পাবে সে পাশ, আর নাহলে সে ফেইল।

আর যখন অন্য গ্রেড্‌গুলোও বলছে যে একজন পরীক্ষায় কৃতকার্য হয়েছে, তখন বিভিন্ন ধরনের উচ্চশিক্ষা, কারিগরি শিক্ষা-এগুলোর ব্যাবস্থা করে দেয়ার প্রধান দায়িত্বই হলো রাষ্ট্রের।

সেই সুযোগ সৃষ্টি না করে, বছরে বছরে জিপিএ ৫-ধারীদের সংখ্যা ১৫%-২৫% বাড়িয়ে শিক্ষার মান বেড়েছে বলা, একটা বিরাট ধরনের প্রতারণা, যার একমাত্র চালক শিক্ষা মন্ত্রণালয়। সকল পরীক্ষার প্রশ্নপত্র ফাঁস, ইচ্ছে করে মার্কস্‌ বাড়িয়ে দেয়া, পরীক্ষায় অসৎ-উপায় অবলম্বন করায় বহিষ্কার না করা, এসব চলতে থাকে বাংলাদেশে একসময় সবাই-ই জিপিএ ৫ পাবে, এটা আশা করাও খুব একটা অযৌক্তিক নয়, কিন্তু তাতে দেশের মানব-সম্পদ উন্নয়ন যে একেবারেই সেই নেগেটিভে চলে গেল, সেটা বলতে কোন বিশেষজ্ঞও হওয়া লাগে না।

বিজেপি, বাংলাদেশ, ইসলাম এবং ভারতীয় মুসলিম

ভারতের বিজেপি এর কিছু সাংসদ সদস্য এর ফেইসবুক ফলোয়ার আমি অনেকদিন ধরেই, স্বাভাবিকভাবেই জানার আগ্রহ ছিল নতুন সরকারের আচরণ কেমন হয়।

তো প্রতিদিন নিউজ ফিডে আসছে একেকজনের একেক কথা, প্রতিদিনই এদের টিম নিয়ম করে বাংলাদেশ, ইসলাম, ফিলিস্তিন, কাশ্মীর, ভারতীয় মুসলিম নিয়ে পোস্ট দেয় এবং বলার অপেক্ষা রাখে না সবগুলোতেই তারা উপরে বলা স্বত্তাগুলোর উপর খুব গরম-গরম মিথ্যাচার করে।

এর সারাংশগুলো এরকম,

১) তাদের মতে গত ৫-৬ বছরে ১ কোটি বাংলাদেশি ভারতে চলে গেছে এবং তারা না কি ভারতকে ইরাক, আফগানিস্তান, বসনিয়া বানানোর পরিকল্পনা করছে। অথচ স্মাগলিং হয়ে মাদকদ্রব্য কোত্থেকে আসে, তার কোন কথা নেই, এদেশ থেকে নারী-শিশু পাচার করা হয় কোন দেশে তার কোন উল্লেখ নাই, এই দেশের প্রত্ন-সম্পদ কারা চুরি করে তার কোন উল্লেখ নাই।

২) বিজেপি এর অনুসারীরা বলে চলেছে, ইসলাম-ই না কি অশান্তির মূল এই পৃথিবীতে, স্বাভাবিকভাবেই নেতারা যা প্রচার করে অনুসারীরা তাই বলে, এক্ষেত্রেও তার ব্যাতিক্রম নয়। তারা প্রচার করছে, হিন্দু সংখ্যাগরিষ্ঠ দেশ ভারতে না কি হিন্দুরাই সংখ্যালঘুর মতো জীবন-যাপন করছে, যার কারণ না কি মুসলিমরা। অথচ দাঙ্গা এই মোদী বাহিনীই লাগিয়েছিল, এমনকি এখনো চাচ্ছে তারা মুসলিমদের উপর যে কোন একটা ইস্যু তৈরি করে গণহারে আক্রমণ করে হত্যা করতে মিয়ানমারের মতো।

৩) ফিলিস্তিনের বিরুদ্ধে ইসরায়েলের যে আগ্রাসন চলছে তা না কি সন্ত্রাসের বিরুদ্ধে ইসরায়েলের যুদ্ধ, ভারত-সরকারের না কি উচিত সার্বিক সমর্থন নিয়ে ইসরায়েলের পাশে দাঁড়ানো। তাহলে এই যে জাতিসংঘের কর্মকর্তা ফিলিস্তিনিদের কথা বর্ণনা করতে গিয়ে কেঁদে দিলেন, তার মানে কি? এই যে এমনকি, ইসরায়েলের অধ্যাপক এবং সেখানকার কিছু ইহুদিরাই বলছে, ইসরায়েল বাড়াবাড়ি করে ফেলছে এবং এসব এখনই বন্ধ করা উচিত, নাহলে ইসরায়েলই প্রকৃত সন্ত্রাসী-রাষ্ট্র হিসেবে আখ্যা পাবে, এটা কি?

৪) কাশ্মীর নিয়েও তারা অনেক কিছু বলে, কাশ্মীরের স্বাধীনতাকামীদের তারা ইসলামিক জঙ্গি বলে! দেশের স্বাধীনতা আর ইসলামের সম্পর্ক কোথায় তা আমার বোঝার বাইরে।

৫) এই সেদিন একজন সাংসদ পোস্ট দিলেন, ভারত থেকে বাংলাদেশে প্রতিবছর হাজার হাজার গরু পাচার হয়, ঊনি প্রশ্ন রেখেছেন এই যে এভাবে সে দেশ থেকে গরু নিয়ে বাংলাদেশিরা এবং এদেশের মুসলিমরা গরু হত্যা করে, তা কি ঠিক কি না। সেখানে ভারতীয় অনেক মুসলিমকে দেখলাম, নিজের চামড়া বাঁচানোর জন্য বলছে যে এটা ঠিক না, এই হচ্ছে অবস্থা।

আমার ধর্ম আমাকে যা হালাল করে দিয়েছে, ভারতের এই উগ্রবাদী সরকার তা হারাম ক্রএ দিয়েছে, তাদের মনোভাব এমন যে পারলে বাংলাদেশে ঢুকে গণহারে বাংলাদেশি মুসলিমকে জবাই করে যাবে, গরু হত্যার দায়ে। আমি অবাক হই, এরা কতোটা জ্ঞাণ-পাপী হলে তুলে ধরতে পারে যে, মানুষ নয়, মুসলিম নয়, বরং একটা প্রাণী- গরুও এর চেয়ে অনেক বেশি মূল্যবান এবং শ্রদ্ধেয়।

উপরের কথাগুলো আপনার বিশ্বাস নাও হতে পারে, যদি না হয় তবে এখনই ঘুরে আসুন এই লিংকটি, http://shankhnaad.net/

যার ওয়েব পোর্টাল এটি, তিনি আবার যে কেউ নন, তার পিএইচডি থিসিস্ করা নোবেলজয়ী অর্থনিতীবিদ সাইমন ক্যুযনেট এর অধীনে, তাই তিনি না জেনে বলে যাচ্ছেন এসব, এটাও বলা যায় না, যেহেতু ঊনি বিদ্বান তাই ঊনি এগুলো জেনে-শুনে এবং কোন প্রোপাগান্ডা বাস্তবায়ননের জন্যই বলছেন, করছেন। আবার এই মানুষটি আরেক নোবেলজয়ী ড. অমর্ত্য সেন এর ঘনিষ্টজন, যে অমর্ত্য সেনকে বাংলাদেশে আনা হয়, বাংলাদেশের সাফল্যগাঁথা বাংলাদেশিদের শুনানোর জন্য (সম্ভবত বাংলাদেশে বিশ্বমানের অর্থনীতিবিদের অভাব ছিল এবং আছে!)।

তো দেখুন এরা কতোটা বিদ্বেষী আপনার দেশ, জাতি এবং ধর্ম নিয়ে। অথচ এদেশের ডান-বাম, সুশীল এবং সামগ্রিক মিডিয়া মোদী সরকারের প্রশংসায় প্রতিনিয়ত মত্ত। আমি কারও সততা নিয়ে প্রশ্ন তুলতে চাই না, শুধু বলতে চাই আমাদের রাজনীতিবিদ এবং সেইসব মিডিয়াকে, আপনি হয়তো অন্ধ, কিন্তু দয়া করে সাধারণ মানুষকে অন্ধ করে রাখবেন না, বিপদ যখন আমাদের উপর আসবে তখন তা আপনাকেও কিন্তু ধরে ফেলবে, একেবারে ছিঁড়ে-কাঁমড়ে খেয়ে ফেলবে।

লেখকঃ ইনামুল হাফিজ লতিফী, শিক্ষানবিশ, অর্থনিতী বিভাগ, শাহজালাল বিজ্ঞান ও প্রযুক্তি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়।

বিশেষ দ্রষ্টব্যঃ লেখাটি ইতোমধ্যে নীচের নিউজ-সাইটগুলোয় প্রকাশিত হয়েছে, যে কেউ ইচ্ছে করলে সেখান থেকেও পড়ে নিতে পারেন এবং শেয়ার করতে পারেন সবার সাথে। ধন্যবাদ।

১) http://bdn24x7.com/?p=201204

২) http://goo.gl/fV72Oi

৩) http://blog.priyo.com/42212.html?page=667

৪) http://www.manchitronews.com/moktokolam/details/66 

Brazil go down 0-3 with a whimper (Minute Commentary)

Georginio Wijnaldum of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's third goal during their World Cup third place play-off match against Brazil at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

Brazil suffered further World Cup humiliation as Louis van Gaal signed off as Netherlands head coach with a 3-0 victory in Brasilia, Goal.com reports.

The tournament hosts entered Saturday's game hoping to restore some pride following a 7-1 semi-final drubbing against Germany, yet were undermined as first-half goals from Robin van Persie and Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum's stoppage-time effort ensured Van Gaal's men took the dubious honour of finishing third.

Not even the presence of talisman Neymar on the bench, albeit not among the substitutes due to the broken vertebra suffered in the quarter-final against Colombia, could rally Brazil.

By contrast, Netherlands were excellent as they sent Van Gaal off to his new role as Manchester United manager on a high.

While the semi-final shoot-out loss to Argentina will sting, the new Old Trafford supremo will surely look back fondly on a campaign that was not expected to progress beyond a group featuring Spain and Chile.

However, there are few positives for Brazil - whose defeat further consigned their efforts to a dark chamber in their nation's rich footballing history and leaves coach Luiz Felipe Scolari facing an anxious wait over his future.

Such a result seemed farfetched when Wesley Sneijder picked up a hamstring injury in the warm-up, Jonathan de Guzman deputising.

Yet there were no such issues when the game began, Van Persie putting the Netherlands ahead from the penalty spot inside three minutes with his fourth goal of the World Cup.

The striker was instrumental in the move that brought the spot-kick, his clever ball freeing Arjen Robben, who was pulled back by Thiago Silva.

Back in the side following suspension, the skipper was fortunate to only be shown a yellow card, although Brazil felt aggrieved given the initial contact appeared to be outside of the box.

Daley Blind of the Netherlands challenges Maicon of Brazil during their World Cup third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

Undeterred by the subsequent protests, Van Persie despatched a perfect penalty in the top corner that may have left many fans wondering what might have been had he still been on the pitch versus Argentina.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Brazil as David Luiz's dreadful headed clearance from De Guzman's cross gifted Blind the simplest of finishes after 16 minutes.

The hosts did at least threaten an equaliser, Paulinho and Luiz somehow failing to get on the end of Oscar's wicked delivery across the six-yard box.

To their credit, Brazil continued to battle after the interval with Ramires hitting narrowly wide after getting the better of Ron Vlaar.

Brazil's hopes of getting back into the game were undermined by further poor refereeing, too, as Oscar was booked for diving in the area having been brought down by Blind.

That the left-back was subsequently carried off on a stretch due to the contact only added to the farce.

Even if the penalty had been given, a Brazil comeback seemed unlikely, with a campaign that initially carried such hope ending with a whimper when Wijnaldum powered home Daryl Janmaat's cross in the 91st minute.

*** *** ***

COMMENTARY: FULL TIME

Brazil 0-3 Netherlands: Goals from Van Persie, Blind and Wijnaldum ensure the Dutch finish their World Cup campaign unbeaten, a feat no other Oranje side has achieved, and in third position. The hosts, though, are jeered at the final whistle after another disappointing defeat.

Oscar of Brazil and Bruno Martins Indi of the Netherlands compete for the ball during their World Cup third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

90' + 6' There is the final whistle! Netherlands take third place, while the hosts finish in fourth!

90' + 5' Maicon tries his luck from distance but he slices a shot up into the stands. That will surely be the last act of the game.

90' + 3' Substitution: Jasper Cillessen OUT, Michel Vorm IN

90' + 3' Van Gaal decides to use his final substitute by introducing Michel Vorm for Cillessen. The Dutch coach has now used his entire 23-man squad through his side's campaign!

90' + 1'Goal Georginio Wijnaldum

GOOOOOOAAAAL!! NETHERLANDS GET A THIRD! Robben sends the overlapping Janmaat down to the byline and the wingback cuts the ball back into the middle. He picks out the unmarked Wijnaldum who sends a first-time finish past Julio Cesar, who gets a touch to the shot but cannot keep it out.

90' Substitution: Jordy Clasie OUT, Joël Veltman IN

90' There will be five minutes of time added on!

88' Hulk and Vlaar have a coming together on the far side, with the Brazilian catching the centre-back as he attempted to clear the ball to safety. Moments later Clasie drops to ground and may need to be replaced.

88' Hulk and Vlaar have a coming together on the far side, with the Brazilian catching the centre-back as he attempted to clear the ball to safety. Moments later Clasie drops to ground and may need to be replaced.

87' Robben whips in the corner and Kuyt manages to get up and head the ball before Julio Cesar can get his fists to it. It is a good leap from the Dutchman but his header sails over the top of the goal.

86' Netherlands break with Robben making a bursting run into the box to give Janmaat an option from the right. Maicon manages to get their first and the ball goes out for a corner.

Fernandinho of Brazil challenges Robin van Persie of the Netherlands resulting in a yellow card for Fernandinho during their World Cup third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

85' The Selecao win a free kick wide on the right and Hulk is given the responsibility of sending it into the area. He fails to pick out a yellow shirt, though, as Wijnaldum is the man to get his head to it and clear the threat.

84' There are just over five minutes remaining for Brazil to find a goal here. Cillessen has only had a couple of saves to make despite the Selecao enjoying an abundancy of possession in the second half. Netherlands have clearly felt the job is done and have everyone bar Robben and Van Persie behind the ball most of the time.

82' Robben is picked out in the box and controls the ball on his chest. Fernandinho puts him under pressure and the Bayern man goes to ground, claiming for a penalty. The referee disagrees, though, and allows play to continue.

81' Willian makes a great run across the face of the defence and receives a pass from Oscar. He is tracked by Clasie, though, and the Dutchman forces him out to the byline on the near side. He still manages to get his cross in, but he hangs it up in the air and Cillessen is able to come off his line and claim it unchallenged.

79' Oscar takes a short corner to Willian and darts back into an onside position to receive the ball back from his team-mate. He then attempts to bend it to the back post, but sends it high and wide and is clearly disappointed by the delivery.

77' STAT: There have been 169 goals scored at this World Cup which is just two fewer than the highest tally of 171 from the 1998 finals.

75' HULK! The Zenit man pulls the trigger just inside the box with his powerful left boot, but he is unable to direct it at the target as it sails high and wide. One fan in the stands is happy with it, though, as he got to touch the ball and kick it back into play!

73' Substitution: Ramires OUT, Hulk IN

72' Although Brazil have controlled possession in this half, Oranje have rarely looked worried. They attempt to break through Robben and he almost pounces on a loose ball in the box but Wijnaldum clearly doesn't hear his call and a mix-up ensues which allows the Selecao to recover.

71' Indeed, Kuyt moves over to the left and Scolari readies Hulk on the touchline. How will the veteran Dutchman deal with him?

70' Substitution: Daley Blind OUT, Daryl Janmaat IN

70' In the wake of the collision with Oscar, Blind is stretchered off the pitch and that looks it will be the end of his tournament. Janmaat comes on in his place, with Kuyt likely moving to left wing-back.

68' Yellow Card: Oscar

68' Penalty to Brazil? No, Oscar is booked for diving! The Chelsea man goes to ground inside the box and there was definitely contact with Blind, but the referee deems he was trying to cheat and so puts his name in the book.

67' David Luiz takes another opportunity to carry the ball up from the back, and again he tries to search out a team-mate with a long, diagonal pass. Once more it is overhit, only being received by groans in the stands. Felipao looks dispondent on the bench.

Ron Vlaar of the Netherlands challenges Paulinho of Brazil during their World Cup third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

65' Oscar initiates some crisp interplay in the left-hand channel and bursts into the area upon receiving the ball back. However, Vlaar steps across and puts in a strong challenge to repel the threat.

63' Brazil continue to control possession and they are seeming to grow in confidence now. Maicon goes on another marauding run, this time through the middle, and wins a free kick as Blind fouls him. David Luiz takes it but he is unable to replicate his effort against Colombia as his strike flies straight into Cillessen's arms.

62' STAT: The last World Cup match that Netherlands lost despite scoring two goals was against Brazil when they met in the quarter-final of World Cup 1994.

60' JUST WIDE! Brazil finally manage to work an opening through the middle with Ramires receiving the ball 20 yards from goal and shimmying away from Vlaar. He makes enough space to have a go at goal but he drags his effort wide of the far post.

58' Hernanes first contribution is an exceptionally late challenge on Robben which seems him take out the Bayern man and practically do the splits as he fails to keep his footing when sliding in!

57' Substitution: Paulinho OUT, Hernanes IN

57' That is the end of Paulinho's evening as the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is replaced by Hernanes.

56' Oscar does well to get away from his marker in midfield and send the ball out to Maicon on the right. The defender then picks out Jo in the box but his first touch sends him away from goal and close to the byline. He attempts to spin around and get a cross in but he cannot find a route through the Dutch defence.

Brazil's forward Jo (C) heads the ball for an attempt on goal during their third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

54' Yellow Card Fernandinho

54' Fernandinho goes into the book for wiping out Van Persie on the far side as, once more, Oranje looked to break on their opponents. Scolari now appears to be readying Hernanes on the touchline as he is clearly seeking some more ingenuity in midfield.

52' Brazil are enjoying more of the possession in this half, but still they seem incapable of creating anything coherent in the final third. Netherlands are operating on the break and with the pace of Robben they look a real threat when they do so.

50' Robben takes the free kick quickly, playing a give-and-go with Blind and bursting past Maicon. Upon entering the area he releases a shot on goal which loops into the air and towards the far post via a deflection. De Guzman attempts to add the finishing touch with his head but he cannot generate enough power to steer the attempt back on target.

49' Brazil win a corner which is taken short and eventually worked to Willian inside the box. He attempts to drill a low ball into the middle but it is cleared away by the Dutch defence. Robben breaks down the other end and draws a fould from Ramires inside the Brazil half.

48' Yet another long ball from the back by Brazil as David Luiz completely bypasses the midfield in search of Oscar up top. The pass is too powerful, though, and runs out of play for a goal kick.

46' Substitution: Luiz Gustavo OUT, Fernandinho IN

46' We are back underway in Brasilia!

With a two-goal deficit, Brazil are on the verge of losing two consecutive fixtures on home soil for the first time since 1940! They really need to step it up at the break.

Brazil's midfielder Ramires (R) challenges Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben during their third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

FIRST HALF

Brazil 0-2 Netherlands: Thiago Silva's return to the Selecao defence failed to provide solidity as within three minutes of kick off he gave away a penalty which Van Persie dispatched. Blind then added a second in the 16th minute to heap further woes upon Felipao's side. Oscar has provided plenty of enthusiasm and drive in midfield, but not enough clear-cut chances have been created.

45' + 2'There is the half-time whistle and it is greeted with further whistles from the stands!

45' + 1' We are into the first of an additional two minutes.

45' The free kick is finally taken, and it's an anti-climax as Oscar is unable to beat the wall. The loose ball then falls to Maxwell but the left-back sends a rasping volley over the top of Cillessen's goal.

44' Hernanes steps up his warm up on the sidelines as Ramires walks off to receive some treatment. Will the Inter man enter the fray shortly?

43' Ramires picks up the ball in midfield and drives at the Dutch defence. He takes a heavy touch and Vlaar, thinking he can get there first, swings to hoof the danger away. However, Ramires manages to nick it away beforehand and thus his shins take the impact. He seems in some pain, but he has won his side a free kick in a very promising area.

41' VAN PERSIE! Brazil give the ball away inside their own half twice in quick succession and after the second time possession is moved out to Van Persie on the left. Thiago Silva backs off so the striker takes the chance to get away an early shot from the bouncing ball, and his effort skids into the arms of Julio Cesar.

40' There is a short break in play as Robben goes down to receive some treatment. It offers the players a chance to take on some fluids while the coaches bark instructions at them in front of the dugouts. Play quickly resumes, though.

38' HOW HAS IT STAYED OUT?! Oscar wins a free kick on the left and takes it himself. Luiz Gustavo flicks it on at the near post but neither Paulinho or David Luiz are able to reach it as it bounces across the face of goal only a few yards from the net.

36' Yellow Card: Jonathan De Guzmán

Brazil's defender David Luiz (L) and Netherlands' midfielder Jordy Clasie vie for the ball during the third place play-off football match between Brazil and Netherlands during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

36' De Guzman is shown a yellow card for a trip from behind on Oscar as the Chelsea man raced through the heart of the midfield. He took one for the team, there.

35' Maicon, Oscar and Jo attempt to build something on the right wing, but rather than put a cross into the box the latter attempts to bend a shot into the far corner. It is an exceptionally ambitious effort from Jo, and although Cillessen was scrambling he fails to hit the target.

34' Oscar bends it in with his right foot but Martins Indi nods it behind for a corner. David Luiz went to ground under some rough treatment from Vlaar during the set play, but the referee clearly saw nothing untoward.

33' Maicon wins a free kick for Brazil just outside the box on the near side after he is caught by Wijnaldum. It is right on the corner of the area, so can Brazil use this to get a goal back?

32' Robben is set away down the right and he does a good job of keeping the ball in play under pressure from Luiz Gustavo. The assistant referee deems it too much pressure and signals for a free kick, but Oranje fail to make anything of it.

Brazil's forward Jo (L) and Netherlands' defender Ron Vlaar vie for the ball during the third place play-off football match between Brazil and Netherlands during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

31' Thiago Silva brings the ball out from the back and ventures into the Dutch half unchallenged. He spots Jo spinning his marker and looking to run in behind so he sends a long pass in his direction. Kuyt reads it, though, and manages to nod it back into the arms of Cillessen.

29' Oscar flights the resultant free kick into the area from just outside it on the near side, but there is no solid connection from a Brazilian shirt at the back post.

28' Oscar, who has been the real driving force for Brazil so far, surges past Martins Indi before dropping to ground. The Dutch defender suggests there was no contact, and the replays show that the Chelsea man simply clipped his own heels!

27' Oranje now seem happy to let Brazil spend a bit more time on the ball, as they sit increasingly deep inside their own half. It will invite pressure, but clearly they feel confident of coping with it.

25' There can be no doubting Kuyt's workrate at wing-back, but his deliveries regularly fail to prove as effective. He sends a completely aimless cross well high of the goal and out for a goal kick, despite Van Persie's presence in the middle.

23' Maicon has been keen to push on down the right in the early stages and now he picks up the ball and ventures inside. He releases an effort from outside the area but Vlaar puts his body on the line and blocks the attempt.

22' STAT: Cillessen has only conceded nine  goals in his 14 caps for Netherlands and has kept a total of eight clean sheets in the process.

21' GOOD SAVE! Now Cillessen is called upon, and it comes after Oscar takes matters into his own hands! The midfielder went on a mazy run from the right before pulling the trigger with a low effort from 20 yards, but Cillessen got down and held it at the first attempt.

20' We are 20 minutes into the game and Cillessen is yet to be forced into a meaningful save by the Selecao. Things just aren't clicking for them in the final third, but they have looked dangerous when trying to exploit the space in behind the wing-backs.

18' This really isn't what Felipao would have wanted from his team with speculation over his future rife. They look for an instant reply but make a shambles of an attack down the right, with both Maicon and Jo fumbling over the ball before the latter kicks it out for a goal kick.

16' Goal Daley Blind

Netherlands defender Daley Blind (L) scores during the third place play-off match with Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

GOOOOOOOOAAAL!! ORANJE TAKE A 2-0 LEAD! Robben releases De Guzman down the left, and the midfielder does well to clip in a cross from the byline. David Luiz can only clear it as far as Blind, who stands unmarked on the penalty spot and fires into the roof of the net after taking one touch to control it!

15' David Luiz pings a brilliant diagonal ball up from the back, finding Oscar in behind Kuyt on the left wing. However, the Chelsea man inadvertently controls with his arm as he looks to bring it under and the referee spots it. Free kick to Netherlands.

14' There are whistles from the crowd as Netherlands look to break after Vlaar heads a cross away from danger, but decide to slow the play down once entering the Brazil half. There doesn't seem to be a great deal of intensity coming from the Oranje ranks, and once they lose possession a huge roar goes up as David Luiz looks to surge into the opposition half.

12' A feature of this Dutch side is that the back three will often step out from defence and shadow a player to force them back away from their goal. Martins Indi just closed Ramires relentlessly and won the ball for his side on the half-way line. He then continued his run into the box but Kuyt was unable to pick out Robben on the left with his pass.

10' The Selecao win a free kick on the left and it is taken quickly by Oscar to set Maxwell away towards the byeline. The left-back swings a great delivery into the box but Martins Indi does just enough to stop Jo from getting his head to it, and the ball goes out on the far side untouched.

9' Yellow Card Arjen Robben

Brazil's defender Maxwell (L) and Netherlands' defender Dirk Kuyt vie for the ball during the third place play-off football match between Brazil and Netherlands during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

9' Robben is the next player into the book as he cynically brings down Paulinho after being dispossessed by the midfielder. It is perhaps unsurprising, given these two sides have conceded the most fouls in this World Cup!

7' Robben drops deep to pick up the ball and run at the opposition. He cuts inside of Luiz Gustavo expertly and attempts to find De Guzman with an ambitious pass towards the top of the box. He gets a bit too much behind it, though, and Brazil are able to clear away the danger.

6' Brazil win the ball in midfield and break down the left flank. Willian whips a fantastic cross into the centre of the box, which Ramires busts a gut to try and get on the end of. He lunges forward, stretching a leg to connect with it but is unable to reach it under pressure from Blind.

5' Looking at the replays Thiago Silva certainly should have been shown a red card there as he was the last man. Perhaps the referee doesn't want to cause any upsets for the hosts! The contact took place right on the edge of the box, with some of the Brazilian team suggesting it should only have been a free kick.

Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar (R) fails to save Netherlands' forward and captain Robin van Persie's (L) penalty during their third place play-off match at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

3' Penalty Goal: Robin van Persie

GOOOOOOOAAL!! There is silence in the stadium as Van Persie dispatches the penalty, putting it out of Julio Cesar's reach and up into the top corner!

2' Yellow Card Thiago Silva

2' PENALTY TO NETHERLANDS! Robin van Persie holds off Thiago Silva, brings the ball down and slips a pass to Robben as he races outside him. The Bayern Munich man cuts in front of the Brazilian centre-back and is tugged to ground. The referee points to the spot and puts Silva in the book.

1' We are underway in Brasilia! Brazil are in their traditional yellow shirts and Netherlands are wearing their alternate dark blue jerseys.

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Despite fracturing his vertebra in the quarter-final in Colombia, Neymar is in his kit and sitting on the bench this afternoon. As he emerges from the tunnel he receives a very warm welcome from the adoring crowd.

News is filtering through that Wesley Sneijder has been injured during the warm up, so Jonathan de Guzman will start in his place. It's a blow to Netherlands, with reports suggesting that he has pulled his hamstring.

Brazilian fans pose before the start of the third place play-off football match between Brazil and Netherlands during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia on July 12, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

Some people write this game off as a non-event, but both these teams still have a form of motivation to perform tonight. Plus, the last nine World Cup third-place play-off matches have all seen at least three goals scored. If that record continues we should be in for an entertaining night!

This is the 12th meeting of these two nations and both have earned three victories with the remaining five fixtures ending as draws, including the most recent 0-0 in a 2011 friendly. Their previous World Cup encounter, however, saw the Dutch emerge as 2-1 winners in the quarter-finals of the 2010 competition.

Following that humiliating defeat to Germany, Brazil have now conceded the most of goals of any side in the current World Cup with 11 goals being put past them. The last time they conceded so many was in 1938, but never have they allowed more into their net. All the more reason for the Selecao to turn their form around and put in a strong display this evening. The public won't accept anything less.

Tonight will bring the Selecao's fourth appearance in the third-place play-off, but their first since 1978. Brazil have won two and lost one of their three previous appearances at this stage. It will also be Netherlands fourth appearance in the third-place match and, after 1974 and 1978, the second time that they have finished in the top four in successive tournaments.

Van Gaal's only change from the side which were eliminated on penalties by Argentina sees Nigel de Jong, who rapidly return from a groin muscle injury to feature in that match, replaced by Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie. Dirk Kuyt starts at wing-back again once more in what will be his final game for Oranje as he has announced he will retire from international football after the tournament.

Netherlands (3-4-1-2): Cillessen; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi; Kuyt, Clasie, Wijnaldum, Blind; Sneijder; Robben, Van Persie.

Felipao has Thiago Silva available once more as the centre-back returns from suspension to partner David Luiz in defence. Maxwell, Paulinho, Ramires and Willian all come in for Marcelo, Fernandinho, Hulk and Bernard respectively. The final change sees Jo start in attack, with the coach clearly sparing Fred from any potential for similar ill-treatment from the stands like that which he suffered in the semi-final.

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Maxwell; Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho; Ramires, Oscar, Willian; Jo.

The teams have been announced and unsurprisingly there are six changes for Brazil. On the other hand, Oranje make just one alteration to the side that started their semi-final against Argentina. Full line-ups on the way.

Off the back of their brutal 7-1 battering at the hands of Germany in the semi-final, Brazil are playing for pride this evening. They will not lift the trophy on home soil once more, but the Selecao know that nothing less than a win will do for their nation tonight. Netherlands, meanwhile, also feel they have something to play for, with Louis Van Gaal vocal in his wishes for the team to end the tournament unbeaten.

COMMENTARY: Goal dot com

Di Maria makes it for Argentina! (Minute Commentary)

Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring the lone goal during a Round of 16 match against Switzerland at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

EXTRA TIME

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Argentina go into the quater-finals once again, providing a cruel defeat for Switzerland thanks to Di Maria's late winner. In what was generally an unremarkable match, we were treated to some brilliant and dramatic scenes late on. Di Maria endured a wretched match, but his persistence paid off and he ultimately scored the all-important goal. Once again Argentina have failed to convince, but they keep trudging on.

FULL-TIME!

120' + 5' Shaqiri fires the kick straight into the wall and the referee swiftly blows the full-time whistle.

120' + 4' Yellow Card for Ezequiel Garay

120' + 4' Free-kick right on the edge of the Argentina area now as Shaqiri is hacked down by Garay. What a chance this is.

120' + 3' ONE MORE CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA! Switzerland waste a corner and Di Maria tries to catch them on the counterattack and he races past the halfway line, shooting towards the empty goal with Bengalio up at the other end of the pitch. He narrowly misses the target, however.

120' + 2' We have one more minutes of stoppage time to play.

120' + 1' ARGENTINA ESCAPE! What a huge chance for Switzerland! Shaqiri fires a brilliant cross into the area and Dzemaili meets it with a good header. His effort, however, strikes the left-hand post and then hits him again before going out of play.

120' Yellow Card for Ángel Di María

119' What a cruel blow for Switzerland, but they are piling men forward now.

118' Goal Ángel Di María

GOAL!!! ARGENTINA TAKE THE LEAD! Brilliant play by Palacio as he steals the ball from Lichtsteiner and quickly offloads to Messi, who charges towards the area, riding challenges along the way. He eventually slips a pass into the right side of the area and that man - Angel Di Maria - coolly slots into the bottom-left corner. Redemption for Di Maria!

117' I'm starting to feel bad for mentioning him, but once again Di Maria's final pass is so poor.

113' Substitution: Admir Mehmedi OUT, Blerim Dzemaili IN

110' Argentina continue to probe down the right, but once again Di Maria tries to float a cross into the box from a deep position and Benaglio collects with ease. His final ball has been terrible today.

108' SPLENDID STOP BY BENAGLIO! Argentina appear to be aimlessly knocking the ball around just outside the Switzerland area, but Di Maria finally takes the initiative and drives a fierce strike torwards the top-right corner. However, Benaglio palms the ball away from goal with an acrobatic save.

106' Substitution: Fernando Gago OUT, Lucas Biglia IN

106' We are back underway as Switzerland get the action restarted.

Switzerland's goalkeeper Diego Benaglio (R) looks on as Switzerland's defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (2nd L) and Argentina's forward Rodrigo Palacio (L) vie for the ball during a Round of 16 football match between Argentina and Switzerland at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

105' + 3' HALF-TIME!

105' + 1' Substitution: M. RojoJosé OUT, María Basanta IN

105' + 1' Rojo is being forced off by the looks of it. He is hobbling a little and heads off for Basanta, who plays his football for Monterrey in Mexico.

104' Fantastic feet from Shaqiri as he holds off Zabaleta and then cleverly plays the ball between the right-back's feet. The Bayern winger isn't impressed and demands a free-kick, but he doesn't get one.

102' The fans are loving this, though. Switzerland are gifted possession and they keep it brilliantly, with chants of "ole" coming from all corners of the stadium.

100' Many of the previous matches which have gone into extra-time in this tournament have remained entertaining after the regulation 90 minutes, but this hasn't really followed suit so far.

98' Switzerland are doing a decent job at the moment. They are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment and they are keeping Argentina out of the attacking third.

96' Good link-up play down the left between Mehmedi and Shaqiri sees the latter win a free-kick as a result of Mascherano's unfair off-the-ball body-check. I'm not sure why he is angry with the decision, though.

95' Decent delivery from Messi as his free-kick on the right flank is curled into the danger area. Palacio flicks it on with a good header, but Benaglio dives down to his right and catches.

93' Switzerland enjoy a rare foray into the Argentina half. Lichtsteiner attacks down the right and delivers a good cross into the danger area, but Seferovic can't quite get his head on to the ball.

92' CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA! Di Maria floats an excellent corner into the danger area and a couple of players attack it. Both Fernandez and Garay get close, with the latter directing it towards goal. Benaglio deflects it behind, though.91' Argentina get extra-time underway.

91' Argentina get extra-time underway.

Lionel Messi of Argentina competes for the ball against Switzerland defenders during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arena de Sao Paulo on July 1, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

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FULL TIME

90' + 1' There will be three minutes of added time.

90' Yellow Card for M. Rojo

90' Brilliant run by Messi as he comes in from the left and races towards the area, holding off a couple of challenges and then poking a pass into the area for Palacio. The Inter man's first touch is poor and Switzerland crowd Argentina out of a chance.

88' Switzerland haven't got long left now. They are doing well to hold on, but Argentina are piling on the pressure and Messi is becoming increasingly dangerous.

87' The referee is forced into action here as Messi and Behrami clash. Messi wins the ball and the free-kick and when attempting to take the set-piece quickly, he barges the Switzerland midfielder over.

85' The Swiss deal with the corner, albeit unconvincingly as they knock the ball straight back out towards the left. Messi then crosses again, but Schar hacks it away.

84' Sabella's men probe down the left yet again. Rojo does well to come inside Fernandes, whose attempted tackle is feeble. Di Maria receives the cut-back and tries to smash a half-volley towards goal, but it is blocked behind for a corner.

82' Substitution: Josip Drmic OUT, Haris Seferovic IN

82' Respite for Switzerland as the smash the ball clear from the back and Drmic is cynically brought down by Garay near the halfway line. Argentina will be back on the attack soon enough, though.

81' Argentina are growing a little frustrated with this referee. Messi jinks past his man on the edge of the box and looks set to find space in the area, but he is clearly tripped. No free-kick give, however.

79' After Benaglio receives medical attention, Argentina fire the corner into the danger area and the goalkeeper comes out to punch clear. Can they hold on?

77' MESSI DENIED BY BENAGLIO! Argentina's pressure is growing and Switzerland are struggling. Messi skips past Behrami and charges into the area, shooting low in the process. Benaglio makes the stop and Switzerland clear for a corner, while Argentina claim Palacio should have been given a penalty for a slight nudge.

75' BIG CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA! The South Americans are tearing through Switzerland at will now and Messi is finding a lot of space. He clips a clever cross into the danger area and they look destined to find the net, but the unchallenged Palacio heads wide.

74' Substitution: Ezequiel Lavezzi OUT, Rodrigo Palacio IN

73' Yellow Card for Gelson Fernandes

73' He hasn't been on the pitch for long, but Fernandes is the latest Swiss player to earn a booking. Di Maria races away from his own area and he is callously cut down in full flight as he approached the Switzerland half.

71' Finally, a prolonged spell of possession for Switzerland. They have managed to break out of their own penalty area and Shaqiri gets on to the ball on the left. He links up well with Mehmedi and then looks for his team-mate again after receiving the ball back, but the eventually cross is dreadful.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi controls the ball during the second half of a Round of 16 football match between Argentina and Switzerland at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

69' MESSI GOES CLOSE! Switzerland manage to clear a cross from the left, but the ball is only knocked as far Messi, who is standing right on the edge of the box. He controls the ball and unleashes a fierce half-volley, but it goes just over.

67' Another Argentina chance goes begging. Messi produces a very clever pass in between Rodriguez and Mehmed, picking out the run of Mascherano. The midfielder cross and Higuain gets his head on it, but his effort flies across the face of goal.

66' Substitution: Granit Xhaka OUT, Gelson Fernandes IN

66' There is the first change for Switzerland. Xhaka, who has been extremely poor, is taken off for Gelson Fernandes. The former Manchester City midfielder will put himself about and will be a big help to those in the middle.

65' This is all Argentina at the moment. Switzerland's intense pressing performance in the first half appears to have taken its toll and they are looking laboured, particularly in midfield.

63' GREAT SAVE BY BENAGLIO! Rojo crosses from the left and Higuain manages to nip ahead of his marker to meet it with a header, but Benaglio tips it over the bar in acrobatic style.

62' Argentina are ramping up the pressure, though. They may have been wasteful so far, but they are keeping Switzerland encamped in their own area at the moment.

60' What a waste from Di Maria. The winger gets into space down the right hand side and has so much time to get a cross into the box, but he attempts a 'rabona' and slices the ball straight out of play.

58' ROJO TESTS BENAGLIO! Messi finally comes to life in this second half as he picks the ball up in a deep position, before drifting over towards the left. Eventually he finds Lavezzi, who then slips a pass forward for Rojo. The left-back's cross, or shot, goes straight at Benaglio, who is forced into action.

56' Clever turn on the halfway line by Drmic as the 21-year-old receives a pass into his feet and then, after the ball sits up kindly for him, he flicks the ball past Fernandez, who was approaching from behind. The Argentina defender fouls him in cynical fashion.

54' This match does appear to be opening up a little more. It was very tight in the first half, but both sides have looked more inclined to pour men forward since the break.

52' Decent move from Switzerland and unsurprisingly Shaqiri and Inler are involved. The latter plays the Bayern man into the left side of the area and cuts a good ball back into the area, but Drmic blazes over.

51' At the other end, Shaqiri stands over a free-kick and curls the ball towards the top-right corner. Romero keeps the ball out of the net, but he fails to keep a hold of it as he fumbles with the loose ball. He has not been very convincing.

49' Xhaka is lucky to escape a second yellow card there. Messi jinked in from the right and easily skipped past the 21-year-old, who tripped the Barcelona man up. Argentina are unable to punish them from the free-kick, though, as Benaglio punches clear.

47' Good defending by Djourou. Argentina attack down the left and Lavezzi bursts into the area, aiming a low cross into the danger zone for Higuain. The Napoli forward looks destined to flick it into the goal, but Djourou covers well and blocks the effort.

46' We're back underway for the second half!

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Josip Drmic of Switzerland and Fernando Gago of Argentina compete for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arena de Sao Paulo on July 1, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

FIRST HALF

Well, that was pretty disappointing. There have been very few moments to get excited about and neither side has looked totally convincing in attack. Hitzfeld will probably be the happier coach considering his side have not looked particularly troubled, while they also had the best chance of the half as Drmic wasted a one-on-one. Nevertheless, this has by no means been one of the World Cup's better games.

43' Switzerland are currently encamped in their own area as Argentina probe for a late goal, but the defence is holding firm. Messi cleverly plays Rojo into the left side of the penalty area and he cuts a pass back from the byline, but Switzerland cut it out.

41' Argentina immediately get themselves back on to the attack and create a decent chance for themselves, but when the ball drops to Di Maria at the back post following Messi's pass, he hits a tame effort straight at Benaglio.

39' DRMIC WITH A GREAT CHANCE! The forward races forward to collect a throughball from the halfway line and he is given so much space by Garay. He picks up possession on the edge of the area when one-on-one with Romero, who is no-man's land, but Drmic's chip attempt is dreadful and goes straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

37' Lavezzi is the latest to exhibit some fancy footwork out on the flank. Xhaka, Shaqiri and Lichtsteiner crowd around him and after skipping past two of them, he is felled by the former.

36' Yellow Card for Granit Xhaka

36' Shaqiri fires in an inviting delivery from the right and although a couple of team-mates almost direct it goalwards, Romero launches himself into the air and punches clear.

34' Lovely feet from Shaqiri on the right. He holds off Rojo and Gago, keep the ball at the same time and then, after linking up with Lichtsteiner, he draws Lavezzi into conceding a foul.

32' Free-kick to Switzerland on the halfway line as Gago goes in hard on Drmic, catching the forward with a late challenge. No yellow card given, however.

30' Argentina are back on the attack though. Higuain does well to head the ball into the right side of the Swiss area and Lavezzi meets it, but his right-footed volley is tame and Benaglio denies easily. Then, from the resulting corner, Garay agonisingly fails to connect with the delivery and Switzerland escape.

28' BIG SAVE FROM ROMERO! Shaqiri does brilliantly down the right flank as he runs at Gago, produces a couple of stepovers and then breezes past his marker. The Bayern man cuts a pass back into the danger area and Xhaka sees his effort blocked by the goalkeeper towards the bottom-right corner.

26' Messi floats a delivery into the area from the free-kick, but Higuain's header goes comfortably over the crossbar. That is probably the best chance of the match so far, which says a lot.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (L) and Switzerland's midfielder and captain Goekhan Inler vie for the ball during the Round of 16 football match between Argentina and Switzerland at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

25' Di Maria is seemingly bored of sticking to the left and he pops up on the right this time. He cuts inside and rides one challenge before being knocked over. They now have a free-kick in a good position.

23' Nice interchange between Gago and Messi in the Switzerland half, but the latter is barged off the ball again, this time by Behrami. Their physical tactics have worked so far, with the Barcelona man unable to work his magic until now.

22' This is starting to get feisty now. Inler does well in the middle again, using his strength to take Messi off the ball and out of the equation. He is then caught late by Mascherano, who is a little lucky to escape a yellow card.

21' Di Maria gets his retribution on Lichtsteiner, clattering into the right-back well after the ball had left. Argentina aren't happy about the awarding of the free-kick, but they can't possibly have any complaints about that one.

20' Clever play by Messi as he cuts inside Rodriguez and then charges between the left-back and Djourou. However, he starts to stumble and Rodriguez gets back to barge him out of the way.

18' Di Maria is getting very angry with the referee. He receives possession just inside his own half, skips past one tackle and then has to deal with Behrami, who is all over him. The Switzerland man concedes a foul and Di Maria is asking why that didn't warrant a yellow card.

16' Argentina's first attack from the right is in full swing as Zabaleta is played into the final third. The right-back takes a touch and then crosses into the area, but Benaglio comes out and plucks the ball from the sky in commanding fashion.

Granit Xhaka of Switzerland challenges Angel di Maria of Argentina during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arena de Sao Paulo on July 1, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

15' Wonderful play by Messi. The Argentina captain receives a pass just inside the Swiss half and with the ball bouncing up, he keeps the ball in the air and then knocks it between two defenders, who have no option but to nudge him over.

13' Behrami switches off and Messi bursts into the life. The Barcelona star has been quiet so far, but he has found himself in a dangerous pocket. He runs at the Switzerland defence and slips a pass into the danger area, but Benaglio gets down to collect.

12' However, once again the Argentina free-kick is pumped into the box and Switzerland cope with it easily. They've seen plenty of the ball so far, but they are not doing an awful lot with it.

11' Argentina certainly feel they can get plenty of joy down the left. Di Maria has seen a lot of the ball so far and he wins another free-kick, this time after a tug from Xhaka.

9' Shaqiri wins Switzerland a corner as he is crowded out and then plays the ball off Zabaleta. They are unable to make use of the set-piece, though, as Argentina clear their lines easily.

8' Good move by Switzerland. Inler gets them moving from the middle, producing a clever flick to take him away from Messi and then picking out Shaqiri on the left, who shows quick feet to pick out Mehmedi. The forward then races up the wing and crosses, but Garay slices it away.

6' Di Maria is involved again on the left wing. This time he produces a brilliant first touch to beat Lichtsteiner, giving the full-back no option but to cynically pull him back and concede a foul. Di Maria is outraged at the lack of a yellow card.

5' Sloppy play by Drmic as he gives the ball away to Gago just inside the Argentina half, inviting his opponents forward. Higuain does well to play Di Maria in down the left flank, but Lichtsteiner blocks his cross well.

3' No holding back from Shaqiri there as the Bayern winger goes in hard on Lavezzi, conceding a foul and subsequently causing some pain.

1' Off we go! Argentina get the action started.

There is some good news for the Swiss, though. Schar retains his place in the centre of defence after a decent showing in the final group game against Honduras. The Basel man replaced Senderos for that match after the ex-Arsenal man's disastrous showing against France on matchday two.

Ottmar Hitzfeld finds himself another man down going into today's game. Forward Mario Gavranovic suffered serious knee ligament damage on Saturday, making him a doubt for the rest of 2014. Steve Von Bergen had previously been sent home early after breaking his cheekbone.

Argentina fans pose prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arena de Sao Paulo on July 1, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina did receive a blow in the build-up to the match as Sergio Aguero was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury. He will be watching from the bench, but do not expect to see him getting on to the pitch. Lavezzi slots into his place in the triumvirate behind Higuain, alongside Messi and Di Maria.

Alejandro Sabella's Argentina come into this match having cruised through Group F without building up much of a sweat. Although they were unconvincing in all three of their matches, qualification never looked in doubt as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria all by one goal. Sabella and Argentina fans will likely take confidence in the fact they are yet to find their full stride, with Messi finally proving to be decisive on the world stage for his country.

SQUADS

Switzerland subs: Yann Sommer, Burki, Reto Ziegler, Philippe Senderos, Michael Lang, Tranquillo Barnetta, Haris Seferovic, Valentin Stocker, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes.

Switzerland (4-3-3): Diego Benaglio; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Fabian Schar, Johann Djourou, Ricardo Rodriguez; Gokhan Inler, Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami; Admir Mehmedi, Josip Drmic, Xherdan Shaqiri.

Argentina subs: Agustin Orion, Mariano Andujar, Hugo Campagnaro, Lucas Biglia, Enzo Perez, Maxi Rodriguez, Augusto Fernandez, Martin Demichelis, Rodrigo Palacio, Ricky Alvarez, Jose Maria Basanta.

Argentina (4-2-3-1): Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabaleta, Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernandez, Marcos Rojo; Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano; Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi; Gonzalo Higuain.

Commentary by Goal dot com