Venue: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia - http://www.stadiumguide.com/estadio-nacional-de-brasilia/ Date: Saturday, 5 July 2014 Kick-off: 17:00 BST Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and ITV Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy) - http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkID=569 Possible Line Ups: Argentina (Possible, 4-3-1-2) Romero; Zabaleta, Fernández, Garay, Basanta; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi; Palacio or Lavezzi, HiguaÃn. Belgium (Possible, 4-3-3) Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witzel, De Bruyne, Fellaini; Mertens, Lukaku, E Hazard. Lionel Messi will win his 91st cap against Belgium, equalling the total number of appearances made by Diego Maradona, and this match invites obvious comparisons between the two men. One of Maradona's finest moments for La Albiceleste came against Belgium in the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup, when he scored a brilliant solo goal. [video=youtube;0E9qCaoEgl8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E9qCaoEgl8[/video] Argentina left-back Marcos Rojo serves a one-game ban, with Jose Basanta expected to deputise for him. Sergio Aguero has returned to light training following a thigh problem but is unlikely to start, while Rodrigo Palacio could replace Ezequiel Lavezzi. Belgium welcome back midfielder Steven Defour, who has completed a one-game suspension following his red card against South Korea. Thomas Vermaelen should be available after a hamstring problem. Argentina v Belgium Head-to-head ⢠Argentina have won three of their previous four encounters with Belgium. ⢠The two World Cup meetings have produced a win apiece. ⢠Belgium won 1-0 in a group game at Barcelona's Camp Nou at the 1982 World Cup. Four years later Argentina won a semi-final 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Argentina ⢠Argentina have been eliminated in their last three World Cup quarter-finals. They lost to Germany in 2010 and Netherlands in 1998, also bowing out to the Germans in 2006 after a penalty shoot-out. ⢠Excluding shoot-outs, Argentina have not won a World Cup quarter-final since defeating England 2-1 in 1986. ⢠They have averaged 64.3% possession so far at this tournament, the highest ratio of any side prior to the quarter-finals. ⢠Argentina are unbeaten in the last 25 games in which Messi has featured (W18, D7). Belgium ⢠This is only the second time Belgium have reached the World Cup quarter-finals. They beat Spain on penalties to advance to the last four in 1986 after a 1-1 draw in Puebla. ⢠The Belgians have had more shots at this World Cup (83, including blocked efforts) than any other side prior to the quarter-finals. ⢠All six of their goals in Brazil have been scored from the 70th minute onwards, with four of those strikes netted by substitutes. ⢠Belgium are unbeaten in the 21 games in which goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has played for them. Bookies Odds (They haven't been wrong in the Quarter Finals Yet) Argentina 11/10, Draw 23/10, Belgium 11/4 Lawros Prediction Argentina 0-2 Belgium WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS Brazil v Germany (Tuesday 8th July - 9pm) Costa Rica or Holland v Argentina or Belgium (Wednesday 9th July - 9pm)
Neither side has shone yet and both relying too much on the star player. Having said that I think Argentina will have too much for Belgium and surely must play better than they have so far (yeah I keep saying this!). I have a feeling Aguero will play a part today.
Got a lot of time for Messi - other players that dive every time there's a gust of wind should take note. That's how to ride a challenge you wimps! But can't stand th Argies - PLEASE anyone else to win this thing but them.
If Bale, Ramsay, Allen and co are fit and on form I don't see why we can't beat Belgium. For all their collective talent, they are crap so far.
I am amazed by how many games I've seen with loads of empty seats, only ones that look sold out are the Brazil games.
Belgium go home without a whimper. Both Belgium and France were extremely disappointing in the quarters. WORLD CUP SEMIS Brazil v Germany Argentina v Costa Rica or Holland. It's all coming together now.
