Higuain Strike Fires Argentina Through to Semi Finals

World Cup ·

A superb strike from Gonzalo Higuain inside 10 minutes was enough for Argentina to edge past Belgium in a hard-fought quarter final showdown in Brazília. 

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

ARGENTINA 1 – 0 BELGIUM

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Argentina 1 – 0 Belgium

Higuain (8′)

Saturday 5 July 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST / 12pm ET

Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Quarter Final, World Cup Game #59

As the sun glared down in Brazília, a highly anticipated quarter final match between Argentina and Belgium was apon us.

Just 7 minutes in and the Argentinians struck. Some great play in midfield and the ball fell to Gonzalo Higuain and the Napoli striker turned and speared it right into the bottom left hand corner. A fantastic strike on the turn draws Argentina first blood in this quarter final clash. 

A few chances were created as Angel Di Maria and Kevin De Bruyne came close for their respective teams but both efforts were saved. 

Kevin Mirallas put a fast moving header just past the post. Good chance for Belgium but they still trail. 

After being fouled, Lionel Messi won a free kick just outside the penalty area. 

After a magnificent run which saw Vincent Kompany left for dead, Gonzalo Higuain found himself in on goal with Belgian keeper, Courtois. The Napoli striker was looking to double his goal count and Argentina’s lead but he thumped the ball right off the cross bar and out. Belgium were helpless at this point, they are very lucky not to be 2-0 down. 

A chance falls for Belgium after another great cross from Jon Vertonghen sees Manchester United midfielder Maroune Fellaini head the ball over the cross bar. Should have done better there, good chance for Belgium which haven’t come easily in this game. 

Full time and Argentina’s victory marks an end to Belgium’s World Cup campaign. Many thought they were the dark horses but instead it’s the Argentinians who make a statement and prove they could well go on to win the 2014 World Cup. 

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Gonzalo Higuain after he fires Argentina through to the Semis.
Flop of the Match: Maroune Fellaini fails to put a header on target after a great cross.
Possession: ARG 51% – 49% BEL
Shots: ARG 8 – BEL 10.

Belgium needed more pace down flanks.
The Belgians just lacked pace and range down the wings as the strikers were unable to get the ball in dangerous areas to really test Argentina’s defence and goalkeeper.

Belgium lack killer instinct and needed energy as Argentina edge past the dark horses.

After a good team performance from Argentina sees them through, are they good enough to go all the way and win World Cup glory?

GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facebook page.

WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.

Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »

TSMBrazil.com

 – We live for this.

Share This Post:

Connect With Us!

/**/

Follow @_TheSportMatrix /**/