Argentina 1-0 Belgium: Changes needed to win.

Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium. Besides the impressive scoreline, the South American team also displayed positive tactical performances in this match.

Higuain and Messi stood out in Argentina's victory.

GOAL

Argentina: Higuain (8')

Compared to their Round of 16 match against Switzerland, Argentina made three changes to their starting lineup last night. Beyond personnel changes, coach Alejandro Sabella also made adjustments to the playing style and the roles of several players on the field. Instead of frequently appearing right near the opponent's penalty area as in previous matches, Lionel Messi operated quite far from the goal in the first half of last night's game. Messi's frequent dropping back drew the Belgian defenders away, giving other attacking players like Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi more space to operate.

Coach Alejandro Sabella's tactical adjustments quickly paid off. Just eight minutes into the match, the ball was in the Belgian net. After six goalless games, Gonzalo Higuain finally found the net. The Napoli striker produced a superb volley, sending the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless.

The early goal gave Argentina the initiative in their gameplay. The South American team then slowed down the pace of the game, dropping deep to look for opportunities to intercept the ball. This allowed Belgium to start controlling possession. However, the Red Devils were almost unable to penetrate the center. Belgium's most dangerous chance in the first half came from the wing, when Jan Vertonghen delivered a perfect cross for Kevin Mirallas to head just wide of the post.

After the break, Belgium continued to push forward, creating opportunities for Argentina to launch lightning-fast counter-attacks. In just the first 15 minutes of the second half, the South American side had several clear chances. The most unfortunate was when Higuain's shot hit the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Courtois helpless.

Despite recognizing the risks of pushing forward, Belgium had no choice but to attack. Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, and Nacer Chadli were brought on in an attempt to score. However, their attacks were too simplistic to penetrate Argentina's well-organized defense. Statistics show that Belgium fell into six offside traps set by their opponents. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini… despite their energy, lacked sharpness and composure.

As the game progressed, the Belgian team became increasingly impatient. Their attacks down the flanks were disjointed and failed to surprise the opposing defense. The match ended without any further goals. The 1-0 victory over Belgium propelled Argentina into the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. Beyond the successful result, Argentina also made a positive impression tactically in this match.

STARTING LINEUP

Female:Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Basanta; Biglia, Mascherano, Di Maria (Perez, 33'); Lavezzi (Palacio 71'), Messi, Higuain (Gago, 81').

Belgium:Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Fellaini, Witsel; Mirallas (Mertens, 59'), De Bruyne, Hazard (Chadli, 75'); Origi (Lukaku, 59').

Source: FOOTBALL +