Brazil 2014: Higuain Fires Argentina into Semi-Finals
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Argentina are through to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup after beating Belgium 1-0 at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia on Saturday.
Gonzalo Higuain’s eighth-minute goal proved to be a sufficient difference as Argentina made it through to the World Cup semi-final stage for the first time since 1990.
All five of Argentina’s victories in the competition have been through a one-goal margin and usually with Lionel Messi’s contribution. The Barcelona playmaker was again influential throughout for Alejandro Sabella’s side, but it was Napoli striker, Higuain who decided the tie.
Messi had picked out Angel Di Maria for a pass, the madrid player’s ball took a deflection into the path of Higuain, who allowed time for a bounce before firing to a crisp volley beyond a helpless Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal.
Argentina who are in the semi-finals for the first time since 1990, will now face Netherlands or Costa Rica, but may be without Di Maria as he was taken off in the first half due to an injury in his right thigh.