06/07/2014 Match of the Day

are off to Brasilia, for Argentina -- Argentina versus Belgium.

Alejandro Sabella makes three changes, two of them at the back

stop 31-macro makes his first appearance at this World Cup in

place of Fernando 's -- -- Demichelis. Lionel Messi wins his

19th cap. -- 90th cap. The two teams uniting in support of the FIFA

antiracism campaign. Our uniting in support of the FIFA

from Italy. It is his third match uniting in support of the FIFA

this World Cup after taking uniting in support of the FIFA

of the Netherland 's versus Spain match will stop --.

Lionel Messi there who has scored four goals already in this

tournament and got the winning goal against Switzerland in extra time.

Kevin Mirallas starts on the right for Marc Wilmots. Steven Defour is

available after suspension. Alejandro Sabella took over three

years ago. Marc Wilmots is a former player who appeared in the World Cup

and had a goal disallowed 12 years ago.

Two teams with parallel records, are 100% record and both teams have won

all of their matches by a one goal margin. -- a 100% record. Argentina

with the edge, three of their previous four encounters with Brazil

have seen them come out on top, Belgium's loan of victory in the

group stages of the 1982 World Cup and we are under in Brasilia. --

loan and victory -- underway. Attach for Daniel Van Buyten. Here

is Pablo Zabaleta. First touch boards Lucas Biglia. Loses out in

the air to Ezequiel Garay. -- Ezequiel Garay. That -- Fellaini.

Eden Hazard. Jan Vertonghen on the near touchline.

A feisty challenge. That was on Axel Witsel. Jan Vertonghen who scored

the winning goal against South Korea. It is away by a Demichelis. A

bit of space for Kevin De Bruyne. A real intensity about this one.

Argentina know they will need to up real intensity about this one.

their game to get past this hurdle. Lionel Messi, what a pass! In Ed

Carnes and it is away by the Vincent Kompany. -- in it comes. He was in

an acre of space on that far side. Angel di Maria. Pablo Zabaleta for

word on the near touchline. -- for word. -- forward.

This is Jose Maria Basanta. An opportunity for Axel Witsel to get

it clear. Comfortably put back by Ezequiel Garay.

A good touch by Gonzalo Higuain. Angel di Maria does not need him. He

was a matchwinner at the other day in Sao Paulo, Angel di Maria. He was

set up by Lionel Messi for the only goal in that match against

Switzerland. This is the first meeting between these teams in 28

years. He has been beaten only twice in four matches so far. Belgium have

the joint best defensive record. Kevin Mirallas. Another free kick

given by the Italian referee for that challenge by Javier Mascherano.

Quite rightly so. I am not sure there was any contact between Javier

Mascherano and the Belgian player. Belgium taken over by World Cup

theme. Television audiences reaching 85% back home. That was the match

against the USA. Lucas Biglia. Free kick for

Argentina for that challenge. Argentina seeing much of the ball

here. Angel di Maria was blocked. Lucas Biglia. He is going to loiter

in a defensive mid field position here. He came off the bench in all

of the matches before today, but gets a start today. Ezequiel

Lavezzi. It will be a goal kick. The temperature is around 26 degrees

here. Another glorious day. The humidity is around 33%. Pablo

Zabaleta. Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano.

It is put out by Jan Vertonghen, he is then sent company. Not quite from

Lionel Messi. -- Vincent Kompany. 70 macro! 1-0 to Argentina. -- Gonzalo

Higuain. It is his first goal of this World

Cup and what a game in which to score it! Argentina have had most of

the early play. Lionel Messi, so difficult to get off the ball. The

break was incisive, the finish was clinical. Belgium behind early on.

Thibaut Courtois could not get anywhere near that one. It is the

perfect start for Argentina. They have got the bit between their

teeth. Fellaini. Sergio Romero, still the number one

for Argentina, despite the fact he hardly played this past season, he

has been on loan. I weighed by Ezequiel Garay. --

away. Daniel Van Buyten, Axel Witsel.

Kevin Mirallas, the chemical on after 60 minutes to replace Dries

Mertens has been replaced by Toby Alderweireld.

Great atmosphere inside the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, in the main,

thanks to the very vocal support from Argentina. Still have not seen

anything like the best of Eden Hazard so far in this World Cup.

Gonzalo Higuain, closed down by Axel Witsel.

Only the second time Belgium have been in the quarterfinals of the

World Cup. Advantage played by the referee. They beat Spain in

penalties after a 1-1 draw in 1986. Jan Vertonghen against Zabaleta.

That be a goal kick. -- that will be. Here is the goal, as early as

the eighth minute. It was a deflection that took it towards

Gonzalo Higuain. It bounced his way, but he pounced. And lashed it home.

This will be an Argentina throw-in. This is their 50th World Cup match

against European opposition over the years. Unsurprisingly, they have won

more than they have lost. Fellaini, looking for Origi. Well marshalled.

Demichelis. A bit of room here for Kevin de Bruyne. He will not come

close to finding it this time. He opened the scoring against the

United States in the second round. He was the top scorer in qualifying

for Belgium. He has settled in well at Wolfsburg following his move from

Chelsea during the season. They have two balls on the field so Sergio

Romero will have to hang on for a second.

Eden Hazard. Lavezzi, tracking back, trying to help out. And the

first corner kick of the game goes to Belgium. Kevin de Bruyne tainted.

-- takes it. Fellaini, heading towards the far post. Vincent

Kompany is up for this one. Very heavy footed, there. He will be

happy with the start that his team has made. He acknowledged that they

had not played as well as he had hoped so far but those narrow

victories had led to this point. He feels that it is much more of an

even game at the World Cup these days than perhaps in years gone by

with a fine line between many of the teams. Could be the defining

tournament in a glittering career. Fellaini tempted to lunge in the

end. The free kick, quickly taken. The Maria was looking for that

little touch into the path of Messi. -- Di Maria.

Plenty of room. Argentina, dropping back. Axel Witsel.

Jan Vertonghen from Angel Di Maria, and he has.

Good ball in. And behind by Ezekiel Garay. Plenty of experience, those

two at the back for Argentina, Demichelis and Ezekiel Garay, the

Benfica defender. The referee was not quite ready for that. Vincent

Kompany getting involved, maybe with his club team-mate, Martin

Demichelis. That was flashed in towards the goal, racing in at the

near post was Daniel Van Buyten. Argentina in great form in terms of

results coming into this game, six wins in a row in all competitions,

unbeaten in nine and they have only conceded three goals in that run.

Just less than spectacular here in Brazil so far. Most importantly,

they are still here in the World Cup. Mascherano put under pressure,

having to dig that one out. Still a pivotal figure for Alejandro

Sabella's side. Belgium free kick for that challenge

on Axel Witsel. Messi, the guilty party.

Lavezzi, rather Scuffet map. -- scuffing that.

Vincent Kompany kept his eye on that, with Lionel Messi rapidly

closing him down. Now Kevin de Bruyne, with Eden Hazard, the

referee says he was looking for a free kick.

Eden Hazard wanted it short. In the end, it is played way too long. For

him and for Kevin Mirallas. The header from Axel Witsel. And now

the Tongan. -- Jan Vertonghen. Just over running the ball slightly after

being hassled by Mascherano. Di Maria. Lovely piece of skill from

the Real Madrid player. Lavezzi. Again, looking for space on the far

side of the field, and Zabaleta is heading towards the far post. The

flick on from Angel Di Maria. It was not too far from finding Higuain.

The touch of a very confident player.

Almost at the midway point in the first half, and still, Sergio Romero

has not had a save to make. In, towards Fellaini. Origi being well

marshalled by the towards Fellaini. Origi being well

at the back for Argentina. Lovely skill from a player in fine

form. And the flag up quickly on the far side.

Axel Witsel, beaten to it by Lionel Messi. That did not come down

quickly enough for Origi. Demichelis there, saying, for the first time in

this tournament, he started all five matches four years ago. He has been

in the international wilderness for quite some time. Played in a warm up

match in May against Trinidad and Tobago and it was the first time he

had played for the national team in three years. That was short, and

given away by Ezekiel Garay. As he has not done very often in this

World Cup. Very accurate, passing the ball. Argentina with plenty of

time to organise themselves and get back behind the ball. Played it too

long, and too ponderous. And here comes Lucas Biglia. Great run by

Angel Di Maria I had of him, with Higuain, screaming for it in the

centre. -- ahead of him. Argentina were looking set to break before

Lucas Biglia took too long in possession.

will be backpedalling rapidly. Lionel Messi. It is three on one. It

is not a free kick for Argentina. Axel Witsel. It was saved by Sergio

Romero, did not quite fall for Divock Origi. Gonzalo Higuain with

the past to lean on -- Lionel Messi. The fly goes up against Lionel Messi

following the challenge from Vincent Kompany. -- Sligo. Argentina are

looking dangerous. -- flag. Here is the first save made by Sergio

Romero. Here is Lionel Messi when he went down and did not get the free

kick. He is looking for Kevin De Bruyne.

Excellent play from the former Chelsea man. Not a great clearance

from Jose Maria Basanta. Not a bad delivery. Did not quite fall for

Eden Hazard. Marouane Fellaini, it is away by

Ezequiel Garay. Space for Axel Witsel. Jan

Vertonghen well forward on the near side of the field. Lionel Messi. He

will thread that through to Angel di Maria. Angel di Maria! A vital block

made by Vincent Kompany. Advantage to Belgium following that challenge

on Jan Vertonghen. Angel di Maria is still on the ground. Argentina want

the ball put out the play, but Belgium are not interested. It is

out anyway. -- out of play. Tremendous play, the pass from

Lionel Messi. The shot from Angel di Maria, blocked by the Belgian

captain. Another delayed reaction, he clearly felt something poll. --

pull. Lionel Messi nearly picking balaka off the Belgian backline. --

the lock. Two teams taking advantage of this brief break in play to have

a drink. There it is again. No contact between the two macro

players. -- two. Both coaches taking the opportunity

to speak to their players. It is not an official break. Pablo Zabaleta.

Angel di Maria still receiving treatment. He will be back on

shortly. As we go into the last 15 minutes of

the first half... Here is Gonzalo Higuain, brilliantly taken. Jan

Vertonghen, fully attentive, and he will need to be. Pablo Zabaleta.

There is a sharpness about Argentina we have not seen before in the

tournament. Javier Mascherano, Jose Maria Basanta. They know we are

coming towards the business end now. Lionel Messi. Lucas Biglia.

Argentina are back up to their full complement of 11, Angel di Maria is

back on the field. Hoping it will not trouble him for the rest of the

afternoon. Ezequiel Lavezzi, not trouble him for the rest of the

down by Marouane Fellaini. Supported by Jose Maria Basanta, nearly found

Gonzalo Higuain and it was Vincent Kompany there, followed by a Kevin

Mirallas. -- followed by a Kevin Mirallas. Free kick for Belgium. I

think Angel di Maria has a real problem. Looking at that incident

with Divock Origi again. This is not good news for Argentina. Angel di

Maria is playing really well. It looks as if a thigh strain may

curtail his involvement in this game. Required here, Enzo Peres is

going to come on. He is stripped and ready to go. Angel di Maria may be

done. Let us hope he is not done for the tournament. The first change of

the match. Enzo Perez comes on. Alejandro Sabella is very familiar

with what he can do. How will that affect the balance of the play and

the balance of the Argentina side? Jan Vertonghen. 12 minutes to go to

the break, plus added time, of which there will be a bit. Marouane

Fellaini got himself in that -- on the scoresheet in the first game.

Four goals in the group stages for Lionel Messi.

He momentarily turned his back, Marouane Fellaini.

Jan Vertonghen. I weighed by Lucas Biglia. -- away. Still time to go to

half-time. Daniel Van Buyten. Kevin Mirallas down, but he is not

going to get the free kick he was hoping that he would.

Jose Maria Basanta with the thrall -- with the throw.

Pablo Zabaleta. Jan Vertonghen. He is pretty sharp and snappy.

Enzo Perez was closed down quickly by Eden Hazard. Nine minutes to go

to the break, Gonzalo Higuain is down. The ball has been put out of

play. He was caught by Kevin De Bruyne.

Martin Demichelis. Belgium are momentarily down to ten

players here. Kevin De Bruyne is having treatment. Lionel Messi.

Pablo Zabaleta is wide. Pablo Zabaleta, Enzo Perez. Belgium

are back up to 11. Argentina still Pablo Zabaleta, Enzo Perez. Belgium

have possession here. Ezequiel Lavezzi. A bit of a frustrating

season in France for him. Martin Demichelis. Pablo Zabaleta. Belgium

with the header, but it was collected by Enzo Perez. It is into

Lionel Messi, beautiful control! Almost took him all the way into the

penalty area. Belgium do not like it, but the referee has given

Argentina a free kick just outside the box. For a few moments there, --

it was like the ball was stuck to his third, Lionel Messi. Surrounded

by Belgian players. -- stuck to his foot. That has been penalised.

Testing times for the Belgian defence.

Thibaut Courtois, vocal in saying what he wants.

The referee needs at the decidedly long line on the pitch for this

reason. -- a decidedly long line. Lionel Messi with the ball at his

feet, five minutes until half-time. A big moment.

Round the outside of the wall. It was always lifting over the top of

the bar. Good play-by-play rares. Very tidy. -- by Peres.

The winners of this time Will Claye either the Netherlands or Costa Rica

on Wednesday. That is in towards Eden Hazard.

Comes off Perez. The delivery from Jan Vertonghen, and the header

flashes just wide of the goal. Kevin Mirallas coming in and making

contact with that. Unable to direct goalwards. As the ball goes scudding

wind of the post. -- wide of the post.

Gonzalo Higuain. He has had a good first year in Italy, with Napoli.

Exactly three minutes to go of the opening 45. This is the first corner

kick for Argentina in this World Cup quarterfinal.

Lionel Messi looking to be the creator here.

Off the head of Axel Witsel, off his nose, judging by his reaction.

Just over 68,500 inside the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia in the

capital. Judging by the noise, the vast majority of them supporting

Argentina. Mascherano. Winning his 100th cap during this tournament.

But Santa plays his football in Mexico these days -- Basanta.

Away from Zabaleta. Towards Fellaini. He was looking for Kevin

Mirallas, who was in a great position. Belgium looking to finish

the first half strongly. Lionel Messi, for Argentina. Lavezzi

again, with all of the room in the world. That touch enabled Daniel Van

Buyten to get the ball away. He was involved the last time Belgium were

at the World Cup rolled years ago. -- 12 years ago. Two minutes of

added time. Half is almost upon us. -- half-time.

Too long for, the 19-year-old striker from Lille. He has not had

much to work with in this opening half. -- to Longford Divock Origi.

Last minute of added time before the break. And Origi just manoeuvred

away from the ball. By Ezekiel Garay.

There goes the half-time whistle blown by Nicola Rizzoli, and

Argentina are 45 minutes away from the semifinals. Gonzalo Higuain has

scored the only goal of this first half, in the eighth minute. Lashing

the ball into the bottom corner. Marc Wilmots and Belgium know that

they are still very much in the game at 1-0.

This is where Argentina have slipped up in the last couple of World Cup,

beaten both times in the last eight by Germany, but they have got the

advantage going into the second half, with that early strike by

Gonzalo Higuain, but it is a blow for them losing Di Maria during the

opening 45 minutes. They have not moved the ball quickly enough into

the final third. With just one goal in it, this game is far from

decided. The ball had already gone out of

play. Basanta getting his 12th cap this

afternoon. That was Enzo Peres getting forward.

Nearly keeping the ball in play. That was Vincent Kompany. Higuain.

He goes down under the challenge from Vincent Kompany.

Higuain scored 24 goals in his first season in Italy in all competitions.

The former Real Madrid striker. He was strongly linked with Arsenal

last summer before heading for Napoli. Messi, with the ball at his

feet. Worrying from a Belgian point of view. Too long, this time, for

Basanta. Sergio Romero playing in his second World Cup. Solid so far

and mostly untroubled in this quarterfinal up to this point. Jan

Vertonghen underneath that. quarterfinal up to this point. Jan

outpolled Chase. -- Eden Hazard will chase. Argentina with clean sheets

in two out of three matches they had laid before today. -- they had

played. So far, this game following the

pattern of all of their other games at the World Cup with a 1- goal

advantage, they had a 1-goal winning margin each time. This is Axel

Witsel. Space for Hazzard. Away from Lucas Biglia. Jan Vertonghen. Close

down by Pablo Zabaleta. It is going to be throwing. -- a throw in. Jan

Vertonghen prefers to play in the middle of the fence but he is often

used at left act by his country, as well as by Tottenham. -- in the

middle of defence. It will be another throw-in. Kevin

De Bruyne, closing down Mascherano. Lavezzi. Into space, with Basanta

against surging forward. -- again. That was the challenge from Fellaini

which left Lucas Biglia on the deck. And here, Argentina, Higuain, he

might fancy it himself. The deflection off Daniel Van Buyten

taking it wide of the post for a corner kick. That could so easily

have deflected in to the back of the net, with Thibaut Courtois

wrong-footed by the sizeable deflection. Argentina looking to

make a fast start to this second period, similar to the first, when

they scored within eight minutes. Lionel Messi, wonderful control.

Lavezzi. Real danger. The ball just whistling between Thibaut Courtois

and Vincent Kompany. Lavezzi is posing a real threat down the left

for Argentina. It is Ezequiel Lavezzi again.

Lucas Biglia, that was nice, Jan Vertonghen brings it to a halt,

Lucas Biglia, that was nice, Jan not for long. They're pull is up.

The referee will show why yellow card for the first time today -- the

word macro. -- flag. He glanced his shin with a very high boot there.

The first yellow card for Eden Hazard.

Ezequiel Garay is the only Argentinian player with a yellow

card on the field. Lionel Messi's delivery, the

goalkeeper was stretching there. Belgium are on the back foot. That

is comfortable for Thibaut Courtois. Can they break with Axel Witsel?

Plenty of red shirts getting forward. Kevin De Bruyne. It was too

long. It was too long before the ball came down for Ed and has.

Gonzalo Higuain! It is off the top of the bar. -- Eden Hazard.

Powerful, surging from the Argentinian striker. Ambitious

finish. Belgium are relieved to see the ball skidding off the top of the

crossbar. Alejandro Sabella was talking about Gonzalo Higuain and

said he had not scored, but if he gets one, he will not stop.

Confidence is flowing through his veins after that first half strike.

Marouane Fellaini losing out to Martin Demichelis who has been solid

for Argentina. Javier Mascherano, wonderful atmosphere in the stadium.

The Belgian fans, with little to shout about so far will stop --.

Jan Vertonghen. Axel Witsel. He is getting back to the left fullback

position. Axel Witsel. Divock Origi, he has

not been able to get into this match at all. Gonzalo Higuain, alarm bells

are ringing now. The Belgian defence are alarmed. It was ahead of Lionel

Messi. Dries Mertens is preparing to come on, along with Romelu Lukaku.

Belgium with a little over half an hour to change the course of this

game and keep alive their hopes in this World Cup. This is so much

harder than their last match. Gonzalo Higuain.

Wonderful control. Brilliant play. Javier Mascherano. Lionel Messi.

Here is Ezequiel Lavezzi. Tackled by Vincent Kompany, no foul. Ezequiel

Lavezzi stays down, Belgium are in possession.

The frustration for the Belgian players at having to stop the game,

but here is the challenge again from Vincent Kompany stop he gets him or

not the right foot. Now the change for Belgium. Divock Origi is being

replaced by Romelu Lukaku. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench against

the USA. Kevin Mirallas vents his frustration as he is replaced by

Dries Mertens. He started the last game. He came off the bench to score

the winner and against Algeria earlier in the competition. Still

plenty of hope for Belgium in this game. Half an hour to go. Good news

for Argentina, it looks as if he is OK. A crunching challenge from

Vincent Kompany. Half an hour to go exactly. Axel

Witsel. First touch for Dries Mertens. Jan Vertonghen. A header

from market Jones! It is over the bar. Suddenly, that was a bit more

like it from Belgium -- market Jones. The delivery from Jan

Vertonghen from the left -- and -- Fellaini. Enzo Perez. Pablo Zabaleta

in possession, given away by Dries Mertens. Falling nicely. Falling for

Enzo Perez, but I way come Belgium now with Jan Vertonghen. Will they

get a free kick? Away by Lucas Biglia. Clattered the ankles of Jan

Vertonghen. They were queueing up for that. It is Belgian's ball.

Still his goal that gives Argentina the lead. It has been an excellent

performance from Gonzalo Higuain. He very nearly had a second one with

this shot. He runs into Gonzalo Higuain, who is

challenged. The players are getting frustrated.

Martin Demichelis, Pablo Zabaleta, this is Enzo Perez. He is caught out

by Dries Mertens. Belgium have had six goals here,

which were scored by substitutes. Two of them, Romelu Lukaku and Dries

Mertens are on the field now. There is going to be an urgency about the

play from Belgium now. Not far from the midway point of this second-half

now. They have not really tested Sergio Romero in this match. Kevin

De Bruyne. Comfortably clear by Martin Demichelis. Gonzalo Higuain

on the floor momentarily, but Belgium are keen to get on with the

game. Needs a good delivery, was not great, but it almost ended up

squirming underneath the goalkeeper. Ezequiel Garay slid in. Whipped in

low and off the central defender, but the goalkeeper was right there

behind the ball, Romelu Lukaku almost got in. Here come Argentina

and it is Lionel Messi, Pablo Zabaleta. Gonzalo Higuain waits in

the centre. Look at Smith. -- Lucas Biglia.

Javier Mascherano. Vincent Kompany wins it back and Marouane Fellaini

is under pressure. A return from Axel Witsel who is cut out by Jose

Maria Basanta. Eden Hazard taking the past from

Dries Mertens. Toby Alderweireld, working it wide to Jan Vertonghen

who is always available. Sergio Romero is under pressure.

Belgium went into this quarterfinal on the back of seven wins in a row,

equalling their best ever run. They need a goal here to keep their World

Cup hopes alive. Jan Vertonghen, need a goal here to keep their World

Cup hopes alive. Jan Marouane Fellaini. -- Jan Vertonghen. A

stretch there are four Javier Mascherano. -- a stretch there are

420 macro. -- a stretch there are four Javier Mascherano.

Constant din being made by the Argentina fans.

While Messi up against Vincent Kompany, who had to get that right,

and he did. -- Lionel Messi. That is a yellow card for Toby Alderweireld.

That would rule him out of a semifinal. Lucas Biglia, the player

on the floor. This is what the yellow card was

for. No semifinal for him, but no semifinal for any of them.

It is only the third time that Belgium have faced South American

opposition in the knockout stages of the World Cup. They have lost to

Argentina in the semifinal in 1986 and to Brazil 12 years ago in the

second round. As we head towards the last 20 minutes of the game. Away

from Toby Alderweireld. Lavezzi nearby. He will settle for

the throw-in. Argentina now making another change. Rodrigo Palacio will

come on. For the third time in this World Cup. Ezequiel Lavezzi is the

man being replaced. Rodrigo Palacio has had a fine

season with in Italy, including a Derby winning goal against Milan. --

with Inter in Italy. Both sides now have made two

changes. The post holder between Fellaini and Demichelis. -- the

tussle between. Demichelis gets the deflection.

Towards Higuain. Daniel Van Buyten wins the duel. Lukaku, shut down by

Ezequiel Garay. The free kick given against Moran Fellaini. -- against

Marouane Fellaini. Still just one goal in it. Still, the Belgian fans

will keep the faith. Their last eight World Cup goals have been

scored in the 70th minute later. -- in the 70th minute, or later.

Daniel Van Buyten looks like he has a problem. Marouane Fellaini.

Penalised. That was nowhere near where the infringement occurred.

Surprised he can get away with that. 17 minutes remaining.

Daniel Van Buyten. Towards Marouane Fellaini. Dries Mertens looking for

Vertonghen. Ultimately, nearly finding touch.

Here come Belgian again -- Belgium again. Rodrigo Palacio now.

Mascherano almost rushed out there to Kevin De Bruyne. Belgium have got

to go for it. The chance from the cross. Here it comes. Cut out by

Romero. Dries Mertens stretchers and does well to get away from Zabaleta,

but it is blocked by Perez. The yellow card for Lucas Biglia for

the challenge on Jan Vertonghen. Here is why. He was blocking the

path of Vertonghen. The last change being made by Marc

Wilmots. Nacer Chadli of Tottenham Hotspur is about to come on. Eden

Hazard is the player going off. All three changes made now by the

Belgian coach. Dries Mertens will take this. Roope Kakko heading to

the far post, and it is hoped into the near post. -- Lukaku. Much to

the frustration of Lukaku. Something of a let off for the Argentina

defence. Dries Mertens was the first signing by Rafa Benitez when he took

over at Napoli last summer. Lukaku. Trying to get clear of Ezequiel

Garay, and he has. The flag goes up against Nacer Chadli. He was just

offside. Inside the last 15 minutes of this game now. Kevin De Bruyne

does well to keep it in. Fellaini, all arms and legs, retrieving

possession for Belgium. Basanta. The referee saying that you can take

all the time you want with this throw-in, but I am taking a note of

it. Another throw-in for Argentina. Alejandro Sabella signalling that he

is going to make another substitution shortly. Just hanging

on to that too long, Rodrigo Palacio.

It looks as if Fernando Gago might be coming on for the final few

minutes of this game. Vincent Kompany. Given away.

Every time Argentina get a throw-in, they take some more time.

Zabaleta, towards Higuain, quick to go to ground, free kick, breaks the

play up again. Axel Witsel getting a word from the referee for that. He

is one of those already on a yellow card. He is a key player in the

spine of the team under Marc Wilmots.

Messi, away from Fellaini. But not Vincent Kompany. Zabaleta.

Messi, away from Fellaini. But not from Axel Witsel. Daniel Van Buyten.

Demichelis with plenty of time to see that one coming.

Just over ten minutes to go plus added time.

Vincent Kompany being chased down by Lucas Biglia. And the final change

of the match made by Alejandro Sabella. Fernando Gago is going to

come on to replace Gonzalo Higuain. This is the goal that separates the

teams. Lashed into the net in the eighth minute of the game. Standing

ovation for Gonzalo Higuain. He has got an exceptional scoring rate for

his country, 21 goals in 41 matches. He is off, and Fernando Gago is on,

as Argentina try to see this one out.

Just nine minutes now for Belgium to do something about this.

But they are in a very different game here, to the one that they

played against the USA the other night, when they constantly peppered

the goal of Tim Howard with shots. And but for some wonderful

goalkeeping from Tim Howard, they might have run away with the game

inside 90 minutes, never mind being taken into extra time. It is a very

different story here. Belgium have had in the last two

macro years. 14 wins and three draws in that time. These are the matches

that matter -- two. Knockout games on the big stage. Argentina has the

slender advantage, which they have held for most of the match. Pablo

Zabaleta with the cross. Too high for Rodrigo Palacio.

Marouane Fellaini. He is somebody in the Belgian team with a bit of

inspiration to change the course of this game. Will big goal be enough

with macro the flag has gone up on the far side -- will that goal be

enough? The flag up swiftly on the near side. The clock ticks for

Belgium and for their hopes of staying in this World Cup. It has

been a relatively quiet afternoon for Sergio Romero in the Argentinian

goal. Six minutes and counting. Merry

Smith in towards Romelu Lukaku. A shot. -- Marouane Fellaini. Corner

for Belgium. Anxious times now for Argentina. They will be on red alert

here. Perhaps not a surprise that the referee has a bit of sorting out

to do, so much at stake. Marouane Fellaini is such a handful. In it

comes, off the head of Fernando Gago. The flag goes up against

Romelu Lukaku. Belgium are five minutes away from losing this match.

Rodrigo Palacio. Apart from Lionel Messi oh -- Lionel Messi. -- a pass

from Lionel Messi. Axel Witsel. Naccer Chadli. He is

playing a more central role for Belgium than he does for Tottenham.

Marouane Fellaini, does not fall for Romelu Lukaku. He has been penalised

by the referee. Jose Maria Basanta has gone to the ground.

Romelu Lukaku hardly touched him. Jose Maria Basanta is being treated

for cramp. Inside the last three minutes of the

90 minutes. No wonder it has been launched by Vincent Kompany. All

hands on deck for Argentina. I way by Jose Maria Basanta. -- away by

Jose Maria Basanta. Marouane Fellaini. Cannot get clear, Jose

Maria Basanta making the block. It is a corner for Belgium. Trying to

finish the match on a front foot, trying to force extra time. Two

minutes to go, plus added time. Dries Mertens with the corner.

Whipped back in by Naccer Chadli. Sergio Romero looks to get him away

on the counter. I throw for Belgium. -- a throw. In towards Marouane

Fellaini and Daniel Van Buyten was there. It struck him on the arm.

Free kick for Argentina. The veteran up there in the thick of things, I

think it was a handball. Yes. Early indications are that we might be

heading for a minimum of four minutes of added time. That is still

to be confirmed. Dries Mertens. Naccer Chadli going up with Pablo

Zabaleta. Jan Vertonghen. Daniel Van Naccer Chadli going up with Pablo

Buyten is staying up front. The referee will stop the game. I think

that is Enzo Perez on the ground. A collision with his own team-mate has

knocked the wind from his sales. -- sails. It was against Pablo

Zabaleta. Any momentum that Belgium has been building has been

interrupted by the stoppage in play. The 90 minutes are up and those four

minutes have become five minutes. Argentina are so close to the

semifinal. Belgium with so little time to find a goal from somewhere.

They just have not been able to perform with the flair and verve

that they've -- that we saw the other day. Argentina have showed the

greater intensity. At the moment, heading for what would be a fifth

straight win at this World Cup by a one goal margin. They are not there

yet, though. Belgium are not finished. Daniel Van Buyten is on

the ground, hoping for a free kick, but the referee says play on. In

towards Rodrigo Palacio. Toby Alderweireld beat him to it. He can

be quite a handful. Vincent Kompany looking for Axel Witsel. Jan

Vertonghen. Naccer Chadli was running into a good position. It is

up towards Romelu Lukaku. Could not quite reach Dries Mertens, I way by

Pablo Zabaleta. Another throw to Belgium. Just over three minutes

remaining -- away. Bounced off the head of Marouane

Fellaini as Belgium look for some last-minute inspiration.

A challenge, but nothing doing from the referee.

Argentina edging towards the finishing line in this game.

Thibaut Courtois, nearly eight times now, that Lionel Messi has played

against them without scoring past him. Might not matter today, because

Gonzalo Higuain did. Not much time left for Belgium now. Here comes

Lucas Biglia. Away goes Lionel Messi! He can put the finishing

touches on the victory. Good save by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium's hopes

are wafer thin, but still alive. A minute and a half remaining will

stop Argentina just bumping the ball out of play. --. Naccer Chadli.

Kevin De Bruyne. out of play. --. Naccer Chadli.

Witsel. Dries Mertens. In towards Romelu Lukaku. Stays up. Could not

quite find Daniel Van Buyten. Axel Witsel with the shot! That might

just about be the lot for Belgium. That is the closest they have come

for a long time in this game. Axel Witsel had to give it a crack. The

ball just tumbled away from the gold. At the other end of the field,

moments before that, Lionel Messi with a chance to finish it off for

Argentina, denying by Thibaut Courtois -- goal. Rodrigo Palacio

going for the spectacular. We have almost had our five minutes of added

time. A little look at the watch. It is all over!

time. A little look at the watch. It to Sao Paulo and the semifinal on

Wednesday. Another narrow victory, one goal was enough. Gonzalo Higuain

got it early in the match. Belgium's World Cup adventure is

over. Argentina, losers in the last eight in the last two macro World

Cups, did not slip at the quarterfinal hurdle this time --

two. The final score, Argentina one, Belgium zero.

So that is all the quarterfinals out of the way. We will see you next

Tuesday night for Brazil who take on Germany.