please log in to view this image please log in to view this image 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. 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. That match at Mexico '86 is the most recent game between the sides. 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. Lionel Messi has scored or assisted five of Argentina's seven goals at the 2014 World Cup. Three of his four goals have been scored from outside the penalty area. Argentina are unbeaten in the last 25 games in which Messi has featured (W18, D7). Victory against the Swiss in the last round was the first World Cup match Argentina have won in the month of July since beating the same opponents in 1966 (excludes penalty shoot-outs). 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.
I want Argentina because: 1 - I got them in a sweepstake 2 - I tipped them to win it pre-tournament 3 - I really want a Brazil-Argentina final at the Maracana
Belgium for me. Either showing great faith in Origi or lack of faith in Lukaku. De Bruyne and James have been the players of the World Cup for me (would say Robbin but he is a cheating little bastard)
I'vve actually had a bet on Argentina winning the world Cup, but surely I can't be the only Saints fan resenting them because of slithery git Pochettino? Does sort of put me off rooting for them a bit.
Lukaku's "inspiration from the bench" against USA? I believe he ran past one knackered fullback then misplaced a cross. What else?
