Argentina 1-0 Belgium: Change to win

Argentina have qualified for the semi-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium. In addition to their success in terms of score, the South American team also showed positive tactical marks in this match.

Higuain and Messi stand out in Argentina's win

GOAL

Argentina: Higuain (8')

Compared to the match against Switzerland in the round of 16, Argentina made 3 changes to the starting lineup last night. Not only did they change personnel, coach Alejandro Sabella also made many adjustments to the playing style, as well as the roles of many players on the field. Instead of frequently appearing right next to the opponent's penalty area like in previous matches, Lionel Messi operated quite far from the goal in the first half of last night's match. Messi's frequent retreating drew the Belgian defenders along. Thanks to that, other individuals on the attack line such as Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi had more space to operate.

Coach Alejandro Sabella's tactical adjustments quickly paid off. After just 8 minutes, the ball was in the Belgian net. After 6 scoreless matches, Gonzalo Higuain finally made his mark. The Napoli striker had a classy shot, sending the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless.

The early goal gave Argentina the initiative in their play. The South American team then slowed down the pace of the match, dropping deep to snipe the opposition. That helped Belgium start to hold the ball. But 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 crossed the ball just in time for Kevin Mirallas to head just wide of the post.

After the break, Belgium continued to push up their formation and that created conditions for Argentina to launch lightning counterattacks. In just the first 15 minutes of the second half, the South American representative had several good chances. The most regrettable of which was when Higuain ran down and shot the ball against the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Courtois helpless.

Despite being aware of the risks involved in pushing forward, Belgium had no choice but to press forward. Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli were sent onto the pitch in search of goals. However, their attacks were still too monotonous to penetrate Argentina's well-organized defense with many players. Statistics showed that Belgium fell into the offside trap set by the opponent 6 times. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini... although energetic, lacked sharpness and alertness.

The more they played, the more impatient Belgium became. Their attacks on the wings were slow and did not surprise the opponent's defense. The match ended without any more goals. The 1-0 victory over Belgium brought Argentina to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. In addition to the success in terms of results, Argentina also made positive tactical impressions in this match.

LINEUP

Argentina: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 +