Argentina would love to maximise an opportunity to win the World Cup in South American soil. Diego Maradona is touted to be the best Argentine footballer ever and Lionel Messi would look forward to match up to his records by winning a World Cup Trophy but before then they face a resilient Belgian side. Argentina will likely be without Sergio Agüero, who picked up a muscular tear in the group stages. Ezequiel Lavezzi is favourite to start inthe attacker's absence, though Rodrigo Palacio is also in contention. José Basanta is expected to make his first start of the tournament at left back in place of the suspended Marcos Rojo.
This is obviously the best Belgium squad ever in the history of soccer. And they have no other time to make history for themselves than now with the quality of squad they possess. Belgium's only definite absentee is backup fullback Anthony Vanden Borre, who broke his ankle in Belgium's group stage victory over South Korea . However, coach Marc Wilmots still has big decisions all over the pitch, with Romelu Lukaku hoping to displace Divock Origi up top, and Marouane Fellaini fighting to keep his spot in the centre of midfield.
Both teams has actually played each other four times, Argentina won three of those encounters and lost just one. Argentina and Belgium are two of three teams to have won all their games at the 2014 World Cup (extra-time included), with Holland. All four of Argentina and Belgium’s wins have been by a one goal difference. Belgium’s six goals in this World Cup have all been scored from the 70th minute onwards. Also, four of their six goals have been scored by substitutes. This match is guaranteed to be a tough encounter and both sides hasn't been prolific since the tournament started. I expect it to be a game of few goals but before the full time whistle I expect the first half to end as a stalemate.
Verdict : First half DRAW
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