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For the first time since 1990, Argentina are through to the semi-finals of a World Cup following a 1-nil victory against Belgium.
Argentina could have easily had three goals today with Higuain hitting the bar and Messi being denied by Courtois.
Belgium hardly created any clear cut chances and their half chances were well dealt with.
FINAL SCORE:
Argentina 1
Belgium 0
Argentina and Belgium clash in a World Cup quarter-final that promises to be a highly entertaining affair. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00am AEST.
Belgium won’t have fond memories of the last time they played Argentina in a World Cup. The European outfit faced an Argentina team that was driven by the mercurial talents of Diego Maradona back in 1986.
In short, Maradona produced one of his finest performances en route to securing a 2 nil victory for Argentina against Belgium in a World Cup that the Albicelestes would go on and win.
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Fast forward to the present and Belgium once again face an Argentina side heavily reliant on Lionel Messi for success. The Barcelona superstar once again came to the fore against Switzerland, going on a good run before setting up Angel Di Maria’s extra time winner in the Round of 16.
Argentina though are far from where they need to be form-wise. They really struggled to create clear cut chances against Switzerland and need their attack firing on all corners if they are to beat Belgium today.
Despite only winning 2-1, Belgium produced their best performance of the World Cup thus far against the US, creating plenty of goal scoring chances. Only the heroics of Tim Howard in goal kept Belgium at bay for long periods.
It will be very interesting to see how Argentina approaches today’s game against Belgium. Argentina will be aware that Belgium certainly have the quality to score goals on the break.
Eden Hazard, Romelo Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Axel Witsel are all fine footballers capable of really opening up a suspect Argentina defence. With this in mind, Argentina may opt to play more cautiously in a bid to negate the danger that Belgium presents on the break.
With the pressure firmly on Argentina to perform, Belgium are every chance of causing the upset today, particularly if Messi and Di Maria are kept quiet.
Although Argentina has failed to impress thus far, Messi’s ability to produce a crucial play at any stage of the contest may just allow his side to scrap through yet again.
Argentina to win 2-1 extra time.