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.
WATCH THE LATEST WORLD CUP HIGHLIGHTS
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.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Did anyone else think that this was a really poor standard game? Second half was nothing more than Belgium hoofing it up field and hoping it hits an afro.
Amos
Guest
Iam sorry for begium,although have play well.
Steve
Guest
Before the tournament I said two things. 1. Argentina's defense is not as bad as people were making out. 2. Belgium are overrated, not darkhorses. Argentina, and Messi for that matter, were by no means great. To be honest, they were in cruise control for most of the match. Belgium barely created a single noteworthy chance, despite their possession. This Argentina side is more tactically disciplined and playing tournament football for once. Higuain had a decent game for once. Let's see how Di Maria and Aguero go. Overall a boring game win by a tea k who appear single mindedly focussed on winning the Cup.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Good dress rehearsal for the Red Devils for the next world cup. Messi + strong defence + Belgium inexperience + Higuain goal = Argentinian win
Alan
Roar Guru
For the first time since 1990, Argentina are through to the semi-finals of a World Cup! Finally a breakthrough after 24 long years of pain and heartache! To be fair, Argentina still deserved the win despite playing pretty defensively today. Argentina could have easily had 3 goals today with Higuain hitting the bar and Messi being denied by Courtois. Belgium hardly created any clear cut chances today. Half chances were well dealt with. Argentina's defence did well. Demichelis and Garay look to have solidified themselves as the new centre pairing for Argentina. Basanta did well too. Higuain's clinical strike the difference. Netherlands or Costa Rica await. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
me too
Guest
Argentina far too smart for Belgium.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
95' - Witsel shoots high and wide on the volley. Lukaku threatening there inside the area. Garay good in defence yet again. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE ARGENTINA - Courtois stands tall to deny Messi again who was through on goal! Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Belgium with the throw. Argentina continue to hold on. Long ball forward. Belgium with another throw. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Argentina holding on. Don't like this style though. Argentina not a team known to defend narrow leads. Need to be more expressive in the semi-finals should they make it. Ref will add on five minutes now. Correct call. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Johnno
Guest
Terrible sportsmanship from the Argies, get up yu faker.
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Again Argentina hardly producing breathtaking football but they have still created by far the clearer chances today. Belgium lucky not to be down 2 goals. Another long ball forward. Basanta clears. Corner for Belgium. Romero scoops up the ball. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha, I've really wanted to say "poor ball from Messi" - sounds ridiculous really!
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Argentina trying to shut up shop. Poor ball Messi to Palacio who was through on goal!!!! Gee his touch let him down there! CHANCE ARGENTINA Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Belgium with long balls forward now. Corner for Belgium as a shot is deflected out. Lukaku offside now. Argentina off the hook Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE ARGENTINA - Great cross in from Zabaleta and its just too high for Palacio to connect with! If that was Higuain in the area Argentina have their second goal. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Only concern here now is that Di Maria, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain are all off. Only Messi is a creative spark upfront for Argentina here... Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Gago comes on for Higuain. His goal so far separates the two teams. The Napoli striker could have easily had a double. Argentina 1 Belgium 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Not a fan of the way Argentina are playing but if they hold on it would have been all worthwhile I guess. Belgium still probing. Argentina playing on the counter. Pressure to deal with is immense for Argentina. Only Brazil has more expectation to be honest. Argentina 1 Belgium 0