Argentina vs Belgium - What can we expect - Preview and Prediction

Quarterfinal 3: Argentina vs Belgium

Extra time was the order of the day as late goals rescued both Argentina and Belgium through to the quarterfinals, despite a mediocre performance in their respective Round of 16 clashes. Argentina were forced to wait for full 118 minutes as a disciplined Swiss side deprived the Albicelestes of any possible openings. The only time Messi was allowed time and space with the ball, he eased past the defence and set up Angel Di Maria for the eventual winner. Belgium too were frustrated, as 16 of their goal bound shots were thwarted by an outstanding Tim Howard, before eventually edging out the Americans 2-1.

Both the teams have managed to win all of their matches so far this tournament. But only another victory stands between the South American giants and a place in the semifinals – a first since 1990, whereas Belgium will be eyeing what will be only their second ever top four berth.

Venue

The match will be played at Estadio Nacional de Brasilia Stadium in Brasilia. Originally constructed in 1974, the stadium was recently reconstructed in 2013 and renamed to Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in the honour of famed Brazilian footballer Garrincha. The stadium will also see host to the football matches at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

So far 5 matches have been played at this stadium, including the recent France-Nigeria Round of 16 clash, although both Argentina and Belgium are yet to play their first game here.

Kickoff

July 4 – 1.00 pm – Brazil Local time

July 4 – 9.30 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST) – Live on Sony Six

Possible Starting Lineups

Coach Alejandro Sabella made a switch in formation from 3-5-2 to a more orthodox 4-3-3 against Switzerland, and although the result wasn’t entirely convincing, he is expected to go ahead with the same system. First choice left-back Marcos Rojo, who has been in incredible form off late, faces suspension having picked up two yellow cards and that is the only worry for Argentina since they don’t have any natural replacements for that position. Jose Manuel Basanta or even Maxi Rodriguez could be trusted upon to fill the full back’s shoes. Sergio Aguero is not expected to be fit anytime soon, so Lavezzi should manage to retain his spot, despite a rather insipid display last time out. The lethal front four will obviously remain critical for Argentina’s chances.

Argentina (4-3-3): Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Basanta; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain.

Belgium, on the other hand, have been relying on their substitutes to provide the necessary spark as 5 of their 6 goals have come from the bench with none coming before the 70 minute mark. Poor finishing in the initial stages has let them down and if they aspire to upset the mighty Argentines, they’ll have to convert anything and everything that comes their way. Romelu Lukaku could come in for Origi and Kevin Mirallas in place of Dries Mertens to bring in more pace and exploit the opposition’s weak link, i.e. the defence. So far Marc Wilmots’ policy of rotating the squad has paid dividends and he would be hoping the good fortune continues.

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Dembele, Witsel; Mirallas, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku.

Key Facts

1. Argentina and Belgium have played each other on 4 occasions and Argentina lead the head to head tally with 3 wins against Belgium’s 1 victory.
2. Argentina also leads in goals department with 10 goals against Belgium’s 4.
3. They last met when Argentina beat Belgium 2-0 in the 1986 semi-finals with Maradona scoring both goals.
4. Lionel Messi has been man of the match in all four of his nation's outings, netting four goals and setting up Angel Di Maria to score the winner against Switzerland in the last 16.
5. This will be Messi's 91st international, equalling Argentina great Diego Maradona on joint sixth on the nation's all-time list.
6. Belgium's victory against the United States in the last 16 meant they equalled their record of seven straight wins in all competitions from 1979-80.
7. Argentina have survived six of the seven times they have had to play extra time or a shootout at the World Cup - their only defeat was on penalties to Germany in the 2006 quarter-finals.
8. Marc Wilmots’ Belgium have scored the most number of goals (3) from a counter attack this tournament.
9. Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Moussa Dembele, Alex Witsel and Angel Di Maria would miss the next match if they are booked again and should their respective team qualifies.

Key Battles

Eden Hazard (BEL) vs Pablo Zabaleta (ARG)

Although they have managed a handful of cleansheets, the Argentina defence hasn’t looked quite impressive, with even Nigeria managing to score two past them. This will be the real test for the. Eden Hazard and Pablo Zabaleta would know each other well having played against each other several times in the English league, with Eden’s Chelsea emerging victors on both occasions last season. With left-back Jan Vertonghen pushing behind him, the Red Devils can well expect to get themselves on the scoresheet.

Lionel Messi (ARG) vs Vincent Kompany (BEL)

There are no two ways about this. Belgium have to shut out Messi, if they are to shut out Argentina. Messi has been involved in every single goal his team have scored so far and he would definitely be the topic of discussion in the Belgium dressing room. Experienced campaigner Vincent Kompany will be given the massive responsibility of containing the forward and halt his surging runs behind the defence, with ample support up ahead in the form of Alex Witsel and Moussa Dembele. But would it be enough? With Messi, you just can’t predict!

Can Lionel Messi rise up to the challenge, once again?

Prediction

Belgium appear more balanced, at least on paper The defence still remains a weak link for Argentina, despite managing to collect some cleansheets against their name, which was primarily due to the opposition shutting shop. Only in the match against Nigeria was the game more open and they ended up conceeding two goals before Messi’s magic bailed them out of trouble. With a lot of pace and direct attacking expected to be dealt with, Wilmots’ young guns might just have enough in them to play spoilsport tonight. A close contest, but going for an upset in this one.

Predicted Score-line: Argentina 1-2 Belgium (after extra-time)

Match Officials

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Assistant Referee 1: Renato Faverani (Italy)

Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Stefani (Italy)

Fourth Official: Ben Williams (Australia)

Fifth Official: Matthew Cream (Australia)