#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Argentina 1 - 0 Belgium

Gonzalo Higuain's eighth-minute strike was enough for Argentina to overcome Belgium in Brasilia and reach the semi-finals of the World Cup this afternoon.

The one and only goal came in the early stages when Higuain accurately volleyed a bouncing ball into the far corner after Angel di Maria's pass deflected kindly his way.

It was the Napoli striker's first goal for his country since August 2013 and the first goal from open play that Belgium had conceded in normal time at the tournament.

Belgium's only real chance in the first half fell to Kevin Mirallas, whose low header from Jan Vertonghen's cross fizzed a yard past the post.

Lionel Messi's best effort of the game came just before the break when he curled a 19-yard free kick just over the crossbar.

Higuain was inches away from a second 10 minutes after the interval when he nutmegged Vincent Kompany to bear down on goal and shot against the crossbar from 15 yards.

Marouane Fellaini then had a chance to equalise from another Vertonghen cross, but couldn't direct his header on target.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots brought on Romelu Lukaku in an attempt to give the Red Devils a more physical presence up front, but it didn't result in any real openings.

Messi had a glorious chance to kill the game off when he ran clear on the break in added time and was denied by Thibaut Courtois's sprawling save.

Belgium went up the other end and had an opening of their own when Lukaku rolled his man in the area but couldn't pick out a teammate in the middle. The loose ball fell to Axel Witsel, who could only blaze the last shot of the game over the bar.

The winner of tonight's last quarter-final between Netherlands and Costa Rica await Argentina in the semi-final.

The Albiceleste may be without Angel di Maria after he was forced off through injury in the opening half.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Argentina Vs Belgium

Argentina take on Belgium on Saturday evening at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, with both sides looking to turn rather tame starts at the tournament into something a little more comprehensive.

The Argentines have yet to really get going in Brazil and have largely relied on the exploits of Lionel Messi, arguably still not at his best, and the input of standout efforts during games in which Alejandro Sabella's men have struggled to break teams down.

This might not be that much of a concern to the South Americans, who will believe they can improve in the more important stages, as the team were boosted by a resolute performance when they overcame Switzerland 1-0 on Tuesday.

Belgium have suffered a lot of the same problems as their opponents, with the Europeans playing more like a side of star individuals than a closely-knit unit. Much like the Argentines, though, they do still have the quality of players who are capable of turning a game on its head in a flash.

Testament to this was the late introduction of Romelu Lukaku as Belgium broke American hearts with a 2-1 extra-time win on Tuesday night. The Chelsea striker changed the tide of the game with brute strength and great awareness to take the game away from the USA.

Neither side have any major injury concerns ahead of the game, but eyes will be on the fluctuating form of Angel di Maria, who rescued his side's fortunes against the Swiss.

As for Belgium, it is expected that Lukaku will make the starting XI as they look to pull together as a side going into the final stages.

Recent form

Argentina: WWWWWW

Belgium: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Rojo, Mascherano, Fernandez, Garay, Lavezzi, Gago, Higuain, Messi, Di Maria

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Witsel, van Buyten, Kompany, Mirallas, Fellaini, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Hazard

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Belgium 2 - 1 USA

Belgium have booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after scoring twice in extra time to knock out the USA in Salvador.

Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Marc Wilmots's side signalled their intent, as Divock Origi - a surprise inclusion - nearly justified his selection but his angled shot was saved by the foot of Tim Howard.

The USA swiftly developed a foot-hold and might have taken a 21st-minute lead through Clint Dempsey, who fired straight into the arms of Thibaut Courtois following good inter-play with Michael Bradley.

Belgium should have gone ahead moments later as Jan Vertonghen led a counter attack through the heart of the Americans' midfield but, after squaring to the unmarked Kevin De Bruyne, the former Chelsea man dragged his shot agonisingly wide.

Jurgen Klinsmann's charges finished the half in the ascendancy and spurned a good opportunity to steal a half-time lead, as Jermaine Johnson sliced DeAndre Yedlin's cut-back wide before the break.

Belgium emerged from the interval positively and came within the width of the woodwork from edging ahead, as Origi headed Toby Alderweireld's cross against the bar.

The Europeans went on to dominate the clash but a series of inspired moments from goalkeeper Howard prevented them from gaining tangible reward for their goalmouth dominance.

The Everton shot-stopper denied Vertonghen from an acute angle and then replicated his heroics to keep out Origi from close range shortly after.

However, second-half substitute Kevin Mirallas was guilty of missing his side's best chance of the game, racing through on goal but the attacker fluffed his lines and his Toffees teammate Howard emerged victorious from the one-on-one.

Wilmot's side could, and perhaps should, have stolen victory in the closing stages when De Bruyne crossed for the unmarked Vincent Kompany, but the skipper's scuffed effort was palmed away by Howard once more.

Belgium finally made their pressure count by taking the lead in the third minute of extra time. Substitute Romelu Lukaku broke free down the right and pulled the ball back to De Bruyne, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Lukaku was proving to be a handful for the USA defence and after working some space inside the box, he saw his powerful shot blocked by Howard.

Belgium continued to dominate and Mirallas nearly added a second when he was fed through on goal, but again Howard made the save.

They quickly made amends by extending their lead at the end of the first half of extra time. From a quick break, De Bruyne drove towards the edge of the box, before feeding the ball into the path of Lukaku, who fired an effort into the roof of the net.

The USA pushed forward in search of a goal and they found the net in the 17th minute of extra time. Bradley floated a pass over the top for Julian Green, who then volleyed an effort into the far corner past Courtois.

They were then inches away from levelling the scores as Jermaine Jones latched onto Chris Wondolowski's flick, but he could only poke his effort wide of the post.

Klinsmann's side came close again as from a well-worked free kick Dempsey was played through on goal and saw his point-black effort kept out by Courtois.

However, Belgium managed to survive a late onslaught from the USA to claim the win and set up a quarter-final clash against Argentina.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Belgium Vs USA

Belgium take on the USA in the last 16 of the World Cup having progressed from Group H with a 100% record.

Marc Wilmots's side defeated Algeria, Russia and South Korea to top their group, and have a good track record against the Americans.

The Belgians have defeated the USA four times in their last five meetings, their most recent victory being a 4-2 success in a friendly match last May.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side did well to navigate a tough Group G, beating Portugal to second place on goal difference with one win, one loss and one draw.

Klinsmann, who has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game, has confirmed that Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore could feature in some capacity as he continues to regain match fitness.

Belgium could be facing a defensive crisis ahead of the match, with Anthony Vanden Borre missing out with a broken ankle and question marks over the fitness of Vincent Kompany.

The list of absentees could pave the way for Toby Alderweireld to make the starting XI.

Recent form

Belgium: WDWWWW

USA: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Mertens, Mirallas, Origi

USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: South Korea 0 - 1 Belgium

Belgium have defeated South Korea 1-0 in today's World Cup Group H game in Sao Paulo, ensuring that the Red Devils would qualify with a 100% record, while sending the Taeguk Warriors out of the competition with a solitary point and bottom of the group.

Hong Myung-Bo's side were quick off the starting blocks, as only a heavy win would give them a chance of progressing to the next round, and they showed their attacking intent, powering forward as early as the third minute, but the referee halted the move due to offside.

Belgium, somewhat rattled in the early stages, were threatened once again in the 12th minute when Kim Young-Gwon blasted his effort high and wide.

The Red Devils, however, upped their tempo as the game went on, and Kim had to thwart a last-minute Anthony vanden Borre surge into the box. The Belgian players appealed for a penalty, but this wasn't given.

Just four minutes later, Kevin Mirallas succeeded in getting the ball into the opposition net, but this was disallowed due to offside, while in the 25th minute, Dries Mertens wasted a good chance from just 10 yards.

Just after the half-hour mark, however, the Taeguk Warriors caused panic in the Belgium box when Ki Sung-Yeung's effort forced Thibaut Courtois into a save, just moments before a chaotic goal-line clearance.

Towards the end of the first half, Steven Defour went in studs-first on Kim Shin-Wook, and the referee produced a straight red card for the Mechelen-born midfielder, leaving the Red Devils a man down.

Buoyed by the man advantage, South Korea picked up from where they left off at the start of the second period, as substitute Lee Keun-Ho's long-range effort drew another skilful save from Courtois before heading over from the resulting corner.

Son Heung-Min then caused more panic on the hour mark as he lashed a curling cross that bounced off the Belgium crossbar.

The Red Devils, however, kicked into gear towards the midway point of the second half, when Divock Origi blasted his header into an opposition player and into touch, but a goal kick was awarded.

South Korean hearts were well and truly broken just a few minutes later when Origi's problematic low drive was spilt by Kim Seung-Gyu, which allowed Jan Vertonghen to strike the ball into the empty net.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: South Korea Vs Belgium

South Korea still have slim hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages but will need to beat Group H leaders Belgium in Sao Paulo on Thursday night.

The Asian side have only earned one point so far in the tournament but will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Marc Wilmots's side by more goals than Russia, if they see off Algeria.

Hong Myung-Bo's side will also progress if they beat Belgium by three goals and Algeria and Russia share a draw.

Despite already guaranteeing a place in the last 16, Belgium are not sure to finish top of the group. If they are beaten and Algeria overcome Russia, then the African side will finish in first place.

Wilmots is likely to start Divock Origi ahead of Romelu Lukaku up front after his late winner against Russia on Sunday.

Thomas Vermaelen is also struggling with injury and may have to sit out.
The last time these two sides met was in a friendly 15 years ago when Sandy Martens scored twice for Belgium in a 2-1 win.

Recent form

South Korea: LDLLWL
Belgium: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineups
South Korea: Jung S-R, Yun S-Y, Kim Y-G, Son H-M, Park C-Y, Lee Y, Koo J-C, Han K-Y, Ki S-Y, Lee C-Y, Hong J-H
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Mertens, Mirallas, Origi

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Belgium 1 - 0 Russia

Belgium have booked their spot in the last-16 stage of the World Cup following a late strike from Divock Origi against Russia.

As it stands, Belgium sit top of Group H on six points, while Russia sit third on one point. South Korea and Algeria, meanwhile, who clash later this evening, have one point and zero points respectively having played a game less.

Belgium made most of the early running, but the best chance of the early stages fell to Russia, with Viktor Fayzulin bringing a smart save from Thibaut Courtois after 12 minutes.

Dries Mertens was down the other end moments later following a bright run from Kevin de Bruyne, but the Napoli attacker's cross was cut out as the score remained level following a fairly disappointing opening 15 minutes of action.

Mertens again came close five minutes later, but he whistled a low effort wide of the post following some slack Russia defending.

Mertens continued to look the most likely as the half advanced, but Belgian goalkeeper Courtois was once more forced into a smart save after 31 minutes following a powerful strike from Maksim Kanunnikov.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Aleksandr Kokorin after 44 minutes, but the Russian forward somehow clipped his header wide of the post following a terrific cross from Denis Glushakov.

Both sides struggled to find their top form in the early stages of the second period, with the final pass too often astray.

Belgium wanted a penalty just before the hour mark when Eden Hazard fed Origi inside the box before the striker tumbled, but the referee was not interested as both teams continued to struggle for bright attacking moments.

Sergei Ignashevich had a half-chance for Russia after 72 minutes, but the Russian could only lift a header over the crossbar from inside the box.

Glushakov came close for Russia in their next attack, but his effort was high and wide of the crossbar.

Andrey Yeshchenko had the best chance of the second period for Russia after breaking into the Belgian box, but his effort flashed wide of Courtois's post as the match remained goalless.

Kevin Mirallas then came close for Belgium after 83 minutes, but his free kick rattled the post as the tempo increased.

Belgium finally found a winner two minutes from time when Origi collected a pass from Hazard before finishing into the top of the net.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Belgium Vs Russia

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots will make alterations after his team struggled to a 2-1 victory over Algeria on Tuesday.

Algeria went into the break with a 1-0 lead before Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens, who had been introduced after half time, scored in the final 20 minutes to ensure that Belgium got off to a winning start.

While Mertens could remain on the bench, Fellaini is likely to replace Nacer Chadli, while Thomas Vermaelen could start instead of Daniel van Buyten.

Captain Vincent Kompany is a doubt with a minor groin strain, while Wilmots must also decide whether to keep faith with Romelu Lukaku, who was ineffective during his 57 minutes against Algeria,

Russia failed to impress during their opening game with South Korea, but they still came away with a point that could potentially be vital at the conclusion of the group stages.

Striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov was introduced midway through the second half before netting the equaliser, and he could earn a starting role if boss Fabio Capello decides to make changes in his attack.

Recent form

Belgium: DWWWW

Russia: WWWDD

Possible starting lineups
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Dembele, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku

Russia: Akinfeev; Ignashevich, Glushakov, Kokorin, Berezutskiy, Shatov, Zhirkov, Samedov, Fayzulin, Eshchenko, Kerzhakov

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Belgium 2 - 1 Algeria

Belgium have come from behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in their opening match of the World Cup in Belo Horizonte.

Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens both came off the bench to score for the Belgians after Sofiane Feghouli had given Algeria a first-half lead.

Both sides started the encounter in cautious fashion, but Algeria came close to making the breakthrough on 17 minutes when Riyad Mahrez sliced his effort high and wide on the angle.

Belgium threatened minutes later when Axel Witsel tried his luck from 20 yards, though his drive parried away by goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi.

The Belgians struggled to get going for much of the first half, and they were punished on 26 minutes as the Algerians went ahead from the penalty spot.

Jan Vertonghen was adjudged to have dragged Sofiane Feghouli to ground inside the area before the midfielder dusted himself off to slot the resulting penalty past Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium started to look more dangerous after going behind as Witsel and Vertonghen both had chances, but Algeria held firm to maintain their lead.

Another opening fell the way of Nacer Chadli late on in the first half when he was played in on the angle, but the midfielder's scuffed shot was easily held by M'Bolhi.

Despite Belgium being improved at the start of the second period following the introduction of Dries Mertens for the disappointing Chadli, they continued to find it difficult to break the disciplined Algerians down.

Algeria could have doubled their advantage on 54 minutes when Carl Medjani glanced a header wide from a corner, while Vertonghen blasted an effort wildly off target at the other end.

Divock Origi was brought on for Romelu Lukaku midway through the second half, and the substitute should have equalised for Belgium when he was put clean through. However, his tame poke towards goal was kept out by M'Bolhi.

Marouane Fellaini was another substitute deployed by manager Marc Wilmots as time began to run out for Belgium, and the midfielder made his mark with 20 minutes left to play by heading in an equaliser for his side following a cross from the left.

Belgium then turned the game around on 80 minutes as Mertens found space inside the box to drill the ball past M'Bolhi at the near post.

A Fellaini header was saved late on as Belgium looked to increase their lead, while the midfielder could have found the net again before letting the ball get away from him from close range.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Belgium Vs Algeria

Dark horses Belgium open their 2014 World Cup campaign with a Group H clash against Algeria on Tuesday.

The European outfit breezed through their qualification section for the World Cup, winning eight of their 10 matches and remaining unbeaten in the process, with that run of results seeing them finish an impressive nine points ahead of Croatia.

This summer is the first time since 2002 that Belgium have qualified for the World Cup, however, with their previous best occurring in 1986, when they finished fourth.

Algeria, meanwhile, have never been past the first round of the World Cup and have qualified just twice since 1986.

After topping Group G in qualifying, Algeria were drawn against Burkina Faso, with Vahid Halilhodzic's team overcoming Faso on away goals.

Algeria also enter the match having won each of their last three friendlies against Slovenia, Armenia and Romania.

Belgium have a slight concern over the fitness of Romelu Lukaku, but the 21-year-old is expected to be fit despite injuring his ankle in the 1-0 friendly win over Tunisia last time out.

Head coach Marc Wilmots has decisions to make in midfield, meanwhile, with Kevin Mirallas, Adnan Januzaj, Kevin de Bruyne and Dries Mertens battling for a spot on the opposite wing to Eden Hazard.

Their back four is expected to include three Premier League players, including skipper Vincent Kompany.

Algeria, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash. Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli will start in a forward position, while Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is also expected to be selected in the middle of the park.

Algeria also have La Liga experience in the shape of 26-year-old Liassine Cadamuro.

Recent form

Belgium: LDWWW

Algeria: LWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Fellaini, Dembele, Witsel; Hazard, Lukaku, Mirallas

Algeria: M'Bolhi; Mostefa, Bougherra, Cadamuro, Ghoulam; Taider, Medjani, Bentaleb; Soudani, Djabou, Feghouli

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