Argentina vs Belgium
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Estadio Nacional, Brasilia
Kick-off: 9.30 pm Sri Lankan Time
Between them, Argentina and Belgium have almost as much attacking depth as every other side in the quarterfinals combined. From Lionel Messi to Eden Hazard, both sides have an embarrassment of riches up top, making it even more disappointing that these teams have failed to entertain in Brazil so far. They've both turned out abject and impotent performances, and have made it this far through individual brilliance and brute force, respectively.
Hopefully things will be a little more exciting when these sides face off over a place in the semifinals on Saturday. If their attacks finally click into place, we'll no doubt see a game filled with goals. If they don't, we could see another penalty shootout.
Argentina are without left-back Marcos Rojo after he was yellow-carded, for the second time, in the win over Switzerland in the previous round.
Jose Basanta is his expected replacement.
Sergio Agüero is still out but has returned to training annd could be available if Argentina reach the semi-finals.
Belgium's Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen could be available and may replace Daniel van Buyten or Jan Vertonghen.
Vincent Kompany is fit but Mousa Dembélé is nursing a thigh problem and remains a doubt.
The big question is whether Romelu Lukaku or Divock Origi will start in attack.
Lukaku made a change when he was introduced in the previous round against the United States.
Both teams have disappointed and, many believe, are due big performances, which makes this a potentially fascinating contest.
With Lionel Messi, Argentina can win the World Cup for the first time since 1986 having reached their fourth quarter-final in five tournaments, but having got no further in the previous three.
Belgium are in their 12th finals but only their second quarter-final, and will believe they can sniff the last four for the first time since 1986.
