A slightly improved Argentina and a yet again unimpressive Belgium.
It took just 8 minutes for Belgium to fall behind after a swift start from the South Americans.
Following up from Di Maria’s deflected effort, Higuain reacted quickly to swivel and rifle a low shot past Courtois from inside the box. The influential Real Madrid winger hobbled off after picking up a knock to his thigh, and his attacking absence was almost instantly noticed. Higuain's goal proved to be Argentina's only shot (??!!) on target until the 90th minute, although the Napoli frontman struck the crossbar in the 2nd half.
With the lead already in the bag, Argentina mustered the professional performance necessary to drag the result over the line, with Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano and Benfica's former centre-back Garay expertly snuffing out Belgium’s forward surges.
Key man Eden Hazard was disappointing yet again, and it was defender Jan Vertonghen, who proved one of Belgium’s most potent threats with his constant runs down the left flank.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, having largely carried his side through the tournament, continued his fine form despite missing a glorious chance in the dying seconds. His brilliant runs and close-quarters footwork dazzled the Brasilia crowd, and he split the Belgian defence with a series of cunning passes, though his receiving team-mates failed to add to the team's tally.
Belgium did eventually grow into the game, sustaining long periods of possession, but were otherwise unable to really penetrate an Argentina disciplined side that exhibited a perfect defensive display in the closing stages, and despite the European side throwing numbers forward, held on to seal a semi-final spot.
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