Argentina are through to the Semi Finals after they held on for another 1-0 win seeing off Belgium in their Quarter final match. An early goal by Higuain was enough to ensure a spot in the Semi finals for the South American side.
Argentina’s players celebrate as they advnace into the Semi Finals
The match kicked off with a quick tempo by both sides as it was end to end stuff early on. The chances though were not coming as both teams were closing the gaps in the defensive line. Argentina were moving the ball well in the midfield but struggled to create any chances in the first few moments. Belgium too were passing well as they looked to build up their attacks but just like their opponents the chances just weren’t there. Then in a shock to all Argentina would snatch the lead in the 8th minute. Belgium were bringing the ball up the centre of the pitch but Kompany would give away possession cheaply. Messi would hold the ball well in the centre of the ground and feed the ball wide right to Di Maria. He would look to feed a pass into the box but Vertonghen would get a foot to it. The ball would rebound to Higuain at the top of the box, who caught everyone off guard and drilled the ball into the left side of the goal.
Higuain gives the Argentine side an early lead with a well positioned strike in the 8th minute
Belgium a goal down and with a big hurdle in front of them. Though still plenty of time left in this game to get a result. Belgium pressed the Argentines into their own half but they struggled to get any clear chances at goal. De Bruyne would finally test the keeper with a strong strike from distance. The shot though was straight down centre of the goal and the keeper was well positioned to knock the ball clear of the goal. Belgium’s best chance would fall minutes before the halftime whistle as Mirallas found himself unmarked in the box as the cross found his head. The Everton player though failed to get his shot on target as it went the wrong side of the post. Argentina settled to let Belgium bring the game to them and sit back and look to counter. The only real chance worth a mention was a Messi free kick from inside the D, but that was blasted over the crossbar.
Belgium players with a lot to do as they entered the halftime break a goal down against Argentina
The second half would see much of the same, Belgium push forward but get closed down in the final third by a well organised Argentine defence. Though Belgium were lucky that the scoreline was still at 1-0 as Higuain did have some good chances early on to double their lead. A deflected shot from the left side of the box that was inches wide and then a counter that saw saw him one on one with the keeper but he would blast his shot over the crossbar as Belgium still in with a chance. The Belgians were lucky to only be a goal down and then would press Argentina back as they enjoyed a good spell of possession. Fellaini would try to bring his team back into the game by getting into the danger area and rise well, though his headers failed to trouble the keeper as the minutes ticked over. Lukaku, Mertens and Chadli were all brought on but to no avail as Argentina held on and progressed to the final four.
The Netherlands are through to the Semi Finals after Tim Krul saves two penalties in the shootout to send them to meet with Argentina.
The Netherlands through to the Semi Finals with 4-3 penalty shootout win over Costa Rica
The Netherlands started strong as they kept Costa Rica pressed into their own half. A nervy start for the giant killers who have so far managed to defeat the likes of Uruguay and Italy. Robben’s pace was dangerous up front and Van Persie too was lurking inside the Costa Ricans half looking threatening early on. The possession was all Netherlands as they controlled the game but were being denied a clear chance at goal by Costa Rica. They defended in numbers and kept the Dutch at bay and then looked to counter with pace and try to catch the Netherlands off guard. A hard task for any team but the cinderella story of the World Cup looked to keep their fairy tale alive. The first chance of the match would fall to Van Persie as he managed to find some space inside the box. His low driven shot from the left side was well covered by the keeper, who also covered Sneijder’s follow up from the top of the box. Van Persie would once again have another great chance from an almost identical position, but once again would be denied by the keeper. Costa Rica’s best chance of the half would come from a free kick situation. The ball was floated in dangerously towards the left post. As the ball was played back across the box, it took a few touches but in the end was cleared by the Dutch defenders. Sneijder would also have a great chance to give the Dutch the lead as he curled in a fabulous free kick from about 25 yards out from goal. Navas though once again was there to deny the attacker as he threw himself at the ball and got a fist to it.
Both teams deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime but the Dutch definitely the stronger of the two after 45 minutes
The second half once again saw the Netherlands dominate the play and hold the better chances. As the game wore on it was getting to the stage where maybe this game was destined to go the full distance and end up being decided by penalties. The 90 minutes where up and still the two teams where locked at 0-0 and we entered extra time. The extra 30 minutes would play out and Netherlands despite their dominance would see the game go to penalties. Van Gaal would make another last second substitution bringing on Tim Krul the Newcastle goal keeper for the penalty shoot out.
Costa Rica stepped up first and it was Borges who scored the first penalty, but Krul definitely was close to getting a hand to it. Van Persie then stepped up and buried the ball into the bottom right corner but Navas was only inches away. Ruiz was next up for Costa Rica already proven to be his country’s hero during this World Cup. Though this time it was Krul the dived correctly and managed to block the penalty taken by Costa Rica’s captain. Robben was up for the Dutch and no mistakes as he sent the keeper the wrong way and shook the back of the net. Gonzales was next for Costa Rica and even after some intimidation by Krul made no mistakes and buried the ball into the back of the net. Sneijder was next and he sent the keeper the wrong way. Bolanos stepped up for the Costa Ricans and buried the ball past the outstretched hands of Krul. Kuyt was up for the Netherlands and he too drilled the ball into the bottom left corner. Umana then walked up and as he tried to place it into the bottom right corner, Krul dived correctly and sent the Netherlands into the Semi Finals to face off with Argentina.
Krul send the Netherlands to the Semi Finals with his heroics saving two penalties in the shootout
The Final four have now been decided and it is Europe V South America! Germany will take on the host nation Brazil while the Netherlands are set to meet Agrentina. Will we have an all European Final? Or will it be South America leading the football flag on their own soil? Time will tell.
Ciao for Now readers
Categories: World Cup
Studs Up Tackle 
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