FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina 1-0 Belgium: Five Talking points

Argentina reached the Semi finals for the first time since 1990 on the back of a solitraygoal, a first in the tournament for Gonzalo Higauin. It was the best performance by the Argentineans in this tournament and were strong in every department for the young and fiesty Belgian side.It proved to be a disappointing end to a Belgian side that could rarely impose themselves in the quarter final. The golden generation Belgium side would be more experienced and mature four years from now but it would also mean that Argentina are just two matches away from another World Cup. Here are five talking points from the game:

#1 A supreme performance by Argentina

The Argentines have been far from impressive in their past four matches but they were able to conjure a dominant performance against the Belgians, the dark horses for this tournament. They have looked shaky in defence, struggled to break down teams and have been more than lucky to reach this far in tournament.

A quarter final where many expected them to struggle against stronger opponents, La Albiceleste actually came out trumps in a tight affair. Well organized in defense, they controlled the midfield effectively to negate any Belgian attacks. The midfield led by Mascherano were able to form a solid shield in front of defense which constricted any spaces that would have helped the Belgian attackers.

Taking the lead early in the first half helped Argentina control the game and left Belgium in unfamiliar territory of coming from behind. There were some nervy moments late in the second half for the otherwise brilliant Argentinean defense but they were able to hold on till the final whistle.

One of the stars of the match was Gonazalo Higuain who was able to end his goal drought with an instinctive finish past Thibaut Courtois. The goal seemed to have resurrected him and he went on to have the most effective game in this world cup. Higuains link-up play was much improved and he looked sharper in control of the ball. He should have doubled his tally with what would have been the goal of the tournament but it would still be a big encouragement for La Albiceleste that he has regained form at probably the right time.

#2 Belgium has all the possessionbut lacked the creativity

Having gone a goal down in the 8th minute of the match, Belgium had more than 80 minutes to find an equalizer and probably a winner. However, they were unable to break down a well drilled and brilliantly organized Argentinean defense.

The most worrying statistic for Marc Wilmots would have been the inability of his young and energetic Belgian side to create any substantial chances in spite of dominating possession for most of the second half. Belgium has the most talented squad in the tournament, however they have failed to live up to their reputation with their inability especially in front of goal. They have struggled to score goals throughout the tournament and it was always going to be an uphill task as soon as they trailed by one.

La Albiceleste have struggled against quicker opponents and it was a shame that the Red Devils couldn’t exploit this weakness. More often than not, they tried creating everything through the centre or were reduced to long balls which Argentina were more than happy to defend. In spite of boasting a front three of the ability of Hazard, Mirallas and De Bruyne, Belgium were unable to create a single chance that could have troubled the goalkeeper Romero.

#3 Eden Hazard disappoints.Again!

The PFA young player of the year in England, Eden Hazard, came into the tournament as one of the exciting youngsters who would carry Belgium on his shoulders. Instead he would be leaving the tournament as one of the biggest disappointments following yet another performance which was below par to say the least.

Change of pace, dribbling and the control of ball are the biggest strengths of the Belgian playmaker but could only provide few glimpses of his undoubted ability on the biggest stage. Throughout the tournament the Red Devils have struggled to break down teams, one of the biggest reasons being the indifferent form of Hazard. Although he has provided assists in wins against Algeria and Russia, he has looked a shadow of the Hazard who was impressive and Chelsea’s best player by a country mile.

The forward was sluggish, sloppy in passes and was not able to create any chances for himself or the team. In a match that was this close, Wilmots would have required Hazard to be at his best to break down a well organized defense. However, it never happened and he was subbed late in the second half to end his troubles. On the basis of this showing, it proves that Hazard has a long way to go to be considered as one of the best players in the World.

#4 No Super sub Joy for Wilmots

For all the talk of Wilmots possessing talented youngsters at his disposal, it would have been frustrating the manner in which the Red Devils have performed throughout the tournament. They have been labored in most matches and if not for the effective substitutions by Wilmots, Belgium would have struggled to get this far in the tournament.

Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens rescued a 2-1 win against Algeria, Divock Origi netted the winner from the bench against Russia and substitute Romelu Lukaku scored against USA in the last 16. However, against Argentina the substitutions proved to be a failure. There has been an over reliance on the substitutes to provide the necessary spark to win matches but it always looked like a lost cause especially as they had to chase the game for an equalizer.

Mertens had little impact following his introduction and his decision making was poor. Chelsea striker Lukaku, like Origi, failed to ruffle experienced centre-half pair of Demichelis and Garay. It is clear that the team has talented individuals but they are yet to form a cohesive unit which is so important on big days like today. The Red Devils however should be stronger after this experience and Wilmots should work on shaping a talented team rather than relying on individual brilliance.

#5 The quarter final curse is finally broken for Argentina

It was in the year of 1990 that Argentina were last in a semifinal in a world cup. It has taken 24 years for La Albiceleste to break through a psychological barrier and enter the last four of a World Cup tournament. They have stumbled at the last eight of a tournament quite frequently and hence this victory would have bolstered their conviction that they might finally be able to believe that they are close to getting the third title.

In 2010, they were comprehensively beaten by Germany and it looked like the team would need massive changes to have an impact at this World Cup. Alejandro Sabella has molded and built a team that looks a complete unit with discipline in midfield and defense. In Lionel Messi they have one of the best players who is capable of creating moments of magic and individual brilliance .

La Albiceleste have plenty of attacking qualities in their squad and they are finally showing improved defensive performances at the business end of the tournament. If they are able to perform how they did against Belgium and with Messi in brilliant form, this might very well be their tournament.