Argentina Sneaks by Belgium 1-0 to Advance to World Cup Semi-Final (GIFs)

See all the GIFs and analysis to Argentina beating Belgium to advance to their first World Cup semi-final in 24 years.

Belgium is headed home. Argentina were just able to squeak by Belgium, who failed to find the higher gear that we were all expecting them to find. Once again, the Red Devils couldn't get into much attacking rhythm. They badly scoffed at their chances, missing three shots within the penalty box.

Argentina were more positive, and in the 7th minute, Gonzalo Higuain had a breakthrough.

It was Argentina's first goal scored by their strikers at this World Cup. They needed that today too. Overall, Argentina didn't get the best out of Messi, who found it difficult to create much space. In previous matches, not having Messi firing would mean bad tidings for Argentina's hopes. Messi's shot chart was poor.

His attacking teammates, however, were more threatening. Angel Di Maria, Higuain, and Ezequiel Lavezzi had their shots and the lone goal.


Higuain had another chance to seal the game near the end, but it was fired off the top of the crossbar. Alejandro Sabella had a misstep when reacting, but he'll certainly be pleased that Argentina are back in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990, when they were runners-up.

 

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