Argentina 1 : 0 Belgium
Quarter final number 3 as Argentina take on Belgium. Argentina are out to prove that they do not rely on one man whereas Belgium are out to stop one man; Messi.
Both teams full of great players looking to take authority early on, took time to settle. On the 10th minute Messi got the ball in the centre of the pitch, twisted and turned and fed the ball out wide. When played in it deflected to Higuain who instinctively shot first time which caught Cortuois off guard. 1-0. The tempo slowed and Argentina were controlling the game, Messi showing his class with an exquisite pass like a hot knife through butter found Di Maria who's shot was blocked. Belgium managed to contain Argentina but it took them until the 41st minute to threaten as a Mirallas header just went wide. A predictable end to the first half and Argentina lead.
Argentina started the brighter of the two in the second half and a great run from Higuain gave him the opportunity to unleash a fierce shot which skimmed the top of the bar. Considering that Belgium are playing for a place in the semi final they had no urgency about their play, they looked out of ideas. This wasn't helped though as Argentina continued to command the game. The attitude of Belgium was summed up in the 75th as they won a dangerous free kick and with it a chance to cause damage. Instead Mertens went for goal and went well wide. His teams mates perplexed with his decision. As the time ran out, Belgium's attitude changed and they attacked more. They could not get through and they were very nearly punished for be too adventurous as Messi went 1 on 1 with Cortuois but he pulled off a great save and still gave his team that 1 last chance. They did get it but Lukaku's pull back was cleared and the follow up volley went sky high.
Argentina now face either Holland or Costa Rica in the semi final and whoever they face, it's going to be a great encounter.
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