Brazil 2014: Di Maria’s Late Goal Saves Argentina
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Angel di Maria scored two minutes from the end of extra-time to send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals following a 1-0 win over Switzerland in Sao Paulo.
Switzerland created the best chances of a first half which failed to match the entertainment that has been characteristic of the World cup so far.
Argentina played better in the second half, but with Lionel Messi largely subdued, the two-time World Cup winners struggled to convert clear chances until an assist from Messi set the Real Madrid midfielder up to seal a last-eight encounter with either Belgium or USA.
Switzerland keeper, Diego Benaglio saved well from Marcos Rojo, Gonzalo Higuain and Messi before Di Maria rolled a low shot beyond the Swiss keeper following a burst of pace from Messi.
Switzerland were close to equalising in added time when an unmarked Blerim Dzemaili’s header from inside the six-yard box came back off the post and the rebound deflected wide off the substitute.