Germany Wins #2014FIFAWORLDCUP Defeats Argentina 1 - 0

Germany have won the 2014 World Cup following a 1-0 win over Argentina in the Maracana this evening.

The two sides could not be separated in normal time, but Mario Gotze scored in the second half of extra-time as Germany became the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.

Argentina had a half-chance inside four minutes when Gonzalo Higuain flashed an effort across goal, but there were no takers at the far post.

Higuain then had a stunning opportunity after 21 minutes following a poor backwards header from Toni Kroos, but somehow he fired his effort wide of the post from just inside the penalty box.

Germany were next to come close 10 minutes before the interval when Andre Schurrle, who had just entered as a substitute for the injured Christoph Kramer, was found by Thomas Muller, but Sergio Romero was on hand to make the save.

Argentina had another golden chance after 40 minutes following a brilliant run from Messi, but Jerome Boateng was on hand to clear at the vital moment.

Kroos had a half-chance for Germany moments before the break, but his effort was straight into the arms of Romero. Germany again came close in first-half stoppage time, but Benedikt Howedes could only hit the post with a close-range header, before Muller was flagged offside from the rebound.

Lionel Messi had a golden chance for Argentina moments into the second period, but the Barcelona attacker placed his effort just wide of the bottom corner.

Schurrle fed Muller down the other end five minutes later, but the latter's low cross was cleared by Martin Demichelis during what was an end-to-end period of the match.

Miroslav Klose tested Romero with a header just before the hour mark, but his effort never had enough power to beat the goalkeeper.

Schurrle had another opportunity after 70 minutes following bright work from Muller, but the Chelsea winger's touch was poor and Romero was out to collect once more, with the score still goalless at the Maracana.

Messi fired one wide of the post for Argentina in their next attack, before Kroos placed an effort just wide of Romero's post after 82 minutes as Germany threatened to break the deadlock once more.

Gotze had the final chance in normal time, but the German's effort was straight at Romero as the match headed for extra-time.

Schurrle had a golden chance for Germany in the early stages of extra-time, but his effort was straight at Romero. Down the other end, Aguero flashed a low attempt across the edge of the German box.

Rodrigo Palacio was next to come close for Argentina after the substitute burst into the German box, but the striker could only lift his effort wide of the post after initially beating the onrushing Manuel Neuer to the ball.

Germany won it seven minutes from the end of extra-time, however, when Gotze showed wonderful skill inside the box before finishing into the bottom corner.

Argentina responded with a period of pressure, but could not open their tally as Germany secured the trophy.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Brazil 0 - 3 Netherlands

The Netherlands have beaten host nation Brazil to third place at this summer's World Cup courtesy of a 3-0 victory in Brasilia this evening.

The match got off to a controversial start as the Dutch were awarded a penalty after less than two minutes when Thiago Silva pulled Arjen Robben back with the winger through on goal.

The initial contact took place outside the box, however, while the referee also made the odd decision to only show the returning Brazilian skipper a yellow card despite him being the last man.

Following their nightmare 7-1 defeat in the semi-finals it was a dreadful start for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, and Robin van Persie ensured that it got even worse by firing the spot kick into the top corner.

There was more bad news for Brazil as they fell two behind after just 16 minutes, this time Daley Blind finding the top corner after a poor clearance from David Luiz.

Van Persie threatened a third goal shortly after the half-hour mark when he let fly from outside the area, but Julio Cesar got down to make a comfortable stop.

Brazil then came close themselves as Oscar's free kick was flicked on by Luiz Gustavo, but the ball flashed right across the face of goal.

Van Persie had another long-range strike comfortably saved before the referee's half-time whistle prompted boos and jeers to cascade down from the stands.

The hosts had their clearest opening of the match just after the hour mark as Ramires got away from Ron Vlaar before firing a shot narrowly wide of the post.

Chances were few and far between throughout the second half, and Hulk wasted a slight opening with a wild slice high and wide of the mark from a tight angle.

Oscar also had a half chance with 10 minutes remaining, but once again the end product was disappointing as he curled his effort a long way off target.

Brazil's increasingly miserable campaign was capped off in second-half stoppage time as Robben and Daryl Janmaat linked up to create a chance for Georginio Wijnaldum, who slid his effort into the bottom corner.

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Lukas Podolski (@Podolski10) Wants Brazil To Win Tonight's Match!!!

Germany and Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has backed Brazil to win tonight's third-place playoff against Netherland. See his tweet below!

Vamos Brasil! Great country, nice people. Good luck Selecao for getting 3rd place! #ilovebrasil #worldcup #poldi pic.twitter.com/UzcWkF5Qqv
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) July 12, 2014

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: (World Cup final) Germany vs. Argentina

Argentina and Germany will battle it out for the biggest prize in football on Sunday when they meet at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in the World Cup final.

It will be the third time that these two footballing giants have contested a World Cup final, with Argentina winning in 1986 and Germany claiming revenge four years later - the last time that each team lifted the trophy.

Joachim Low's side have been installed as the favourites following their 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil in the last four, which was the biggest semi-final victory in the history of the competition.

The Europeans will also benefit from having an extra day of rest, having booked their place in the tournament showpiece 24 hours before Argentina needed a penalty shootout to overcome Netherlands in Sao Paulo.

Javier Mascherano has revealed that he 'stretched his anus' in making a match-saving tackle on Arjen Robben that helped the South Americans reach the final, but is expected to be fit to start this weekend.

Alejandro Sabella has a choice to make between Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who returned from a muscle strain as a substitute in the semi-final, as his lone striker.

Lionel Messi is likely to again be given a free role in the Argentine attack, and could be joined in the starting XI by Angel di Maria, who is "training at 80%" as he recovers from the thigh injury that ruled him out against the Dutch, with Enzo Perez the most probable player to be sacrificed.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is Germany's main injury doubt, having been taken off at half time in the thrashing of the Selecao with a knee injury that has since been found to be tendonitis.

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is on standby, and his Gunners teammate Mesut Ozil should get the nod over Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle, whom Low prefers to use in an impact substitute role.

Schurrle scored two of Germany's seven against Brazil off the bench, with Toni Kroos another to bag a brace and Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller and now all-time World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose also netting.

Muller and Messi are still in contention for the Golden Boot. Colombia's James Rodriguez currently leads the way with six strikes, which is one more than Muller and two more than Messi.

Recent form

Germany: WWDWDW

Argentina: DWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Muller; Klose

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Netherlands

Brazil will be seeking redemption this weekend as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side face the Netherlands in Saturday's third-place playoff for the penultimate fixture of the World Cup.

Both nations duke it out in Brasilia tonight in a bid to salvage some pride after the pair lost their respective semi-final encounters - albeit in contrasting manners.

The Selecao saw their dream of winning the World Cup on home soil dashed in ruthless fashion on Tuesday as Germany cruised to a 7-1 victory in front of a visibly distressed home crowd in Belo Horizonte.

A disastrous first half set the tone for the Brazilians as Germany struck four times in an astonishing six-minute spell en route to a commanding five-goal half-time lead.

One positive for the host nation is that captain Thiago Silva returns to the team after missing the seven-goal mauling through suspension.

Neymar remains sidelined with a back injury, meaning that Willian could deputise in his absence after Bernard endured an indifferent performance against the Germans.

Elsewhere, Scolari may finally call time on Fred's inclusion after the striker was booed in the Estadio Mineirao for his display against Joachim Low's side.

Unlike their Brazilian counterparts, the Netherlands had to wait two hours before being put out of their misery following the drab 0-0 draw with Argentina on Wednesday.

In a game of few chances, it came down to a penalty shootout and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved twice from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to ensure that the Dutch would not replicate their heroics from the previous round against Costa Rica.

Coach Louis van Gaal may elect to give third-choice goalkeeper Michel Vorm some game-time, as the Swansea City keeper is the only one of the 23-man squad not to get a run-out as of yet.

Victory for the Netherlands would represent their third win over Brazil at the finals, having beaten the South Americans twice - 1974 and 2010 - and drawn one in their previous four World Cup meetings.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWL

Brazil: WDWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Vorm; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Kuyt, Blind; De Jong, Wijnaldum; Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie

Brazil: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian; Jo

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Argentina Win Netherlands 4 - 2 On Penalties

Argentina have claimed a dramatic penalty shootout win against the Netherlands in the last four of the World Cup to set up a final against Germany at the Maracana on Sunday.

Following a goalless 120 minutes in Sao Paulo it took penalties to separate the sides, with the South Americans winning 4-2 in the shootout to reach the final for the fifth time in their history.

Gonzalo Higuain came the closest to breaking the deadlock in normal time when his near-post poke, following Enzo Perez's run and cross down the right, rustled the side netting of Jasper Cillessen's goal.

Cillessen was maintained in the Dutch net despite the quarter-final penalty-shootout heroics of Tim Krul, but was only called into action once in the first half, to hold a sweetly-struck Lionel Messi free kick.

Set pieces proved to be Argentina's greatest source of opportunities early on as Ezequiel Garay stooped to head over the crossbar from a 23rd-minute corner, under pressure from Ron Vlaar, who, along with captain Robin van Persie, was passed fit for Louis van Gaal's side only shortly before the kickoff.

Van Persie and Arjen Robben, though, were kept very quiet in the first half, thanks in part to Javier Mascherano's excellent shielding of the South Americans' defence, which largely limited the Dutch to long-range efforts.

Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded Messi and Robben, and which of the talisman could inspire their country to victory, but the Holland winger had only six touches during the opening 45 minutes.

Messi was slightly brighter, weaving his way through a couple of challenges before being fouled by Bruno Martins Indi on the stroke of the break, and the booked Dutch defender did not reappear after the interval.

His replacement, Daryl Janmaat, was his side's saviour 10 minutes into the second period when he made up excellent ground to block Higuian's 10-yard header, after Ezequiel Lavezzi had picked out the striker.

Alejandro Sabella turned to Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, not risked from the start because of a recent injury, off the bench on 81 minutes, but it was left-back Marcos Rojo who threatened to put Argentina through in 90 minutes with a powerful left-footed drive from distance which Cillessen hung on to.

Having had little influence on the game, Robben nearly won it for Netherlands in stoppage time when he ran onto Sniejder's flick and into the area, but a last-ditch tackle from Mascherano prevented him from shooting.

Robben had the first chance of extra time when he cut in from the right and worked the ball onto his left foot, before firing in a drive that was well held by Cillessen.

Both teams struggled to create any clear-cut chances, leading to Stefan de Vrij attempting his luck with a strike from range that sailed well wide of the goal.

As the threat of penalties loomed ever closer, substitute Rodrigo Palacio almost snatched a winner for Argentina, but after latching onto a long ball over the top, he could only plant his header into the gloves of the keeper.

The South Americans were enjoying a strong end to the match and Maxi Rodriguez was next to threaten when he was picked out at the back post, but his weak effort on goal failed to test Cillessen. It proved to be the last chance of the match, as the game headed towards a penalty shootout.

The Netherlands went first in the shootout, but Vlaar saw his spot kick saved by Romero and Argentina were soon ahead when Messi calmly slotted his effort into the corner sending the keeper the wrong way.

Robben scored his country's first of the evening, before Garay smashed his effort into the roof of the net.

Captain Sneijder stepped up next, but Romero saved his attempt, before Aguero put Argentina 3-1 up.
Kuyt had to score to keep the Netherlands in the match and he made no mistake with a low effort into the corner.

It meant that Rodriguez would win the game for Argentina if he scored, and he smashed his penalty past Cillessen to send his team through to the final.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Argentina

Two footballing titans go head to head in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday as the Netherlands meet Argentina in Sao Paulo.

The Dutch scraped through to the last four thanks to a penalty-shootout victory over Costa Rica, while Argentina edged past Belgium in their quarter-final tie.

It has been 24 years since the Argentines last reached the last four of the tournament, eventually losing to Germany in the 1990 final. Meanwhile, the Netherlands made it through to the semis in 2010 before suffering an extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.

This is a fixture that has plenty of history when it comes to World Cups, with the teams taking part in some memorable encounters down the years.

Argentina's most famous triumph over the Dutch came back in 1978 when a 3-1 victory after extra time in the final saw them lift the trophy for the first time.

As for the Netherlands, Dennis Bergkamp's stunning winner in the 1998 quarter-finals provided one of the most thrilling moments in the competition's recent history.

Ron Vlaar is expected to undergo a late fitness test for Louis van Gaal's side, who have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.

Angel di Maria has been ruled out for Argentina with a thigh problem, but Sergio Aguero is likely to return after sitting out the last two games with a hamstring strain.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWW

Argentina: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Cillessen; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind; Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Kuyt, Depay, Robben; Van Persie

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Basanta; Biglia, Mascherano; Perez, Aguero, Messi; Higuain

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Brazil 1 - 7 Germany

Germany produced one of the most memorable displays in World Cup history by thrashing Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horiztone to book their spot in Sunday's final.

It took the Germans just 11 minutes to open the scoring as Thomas Muller lost his marker inside the box to volley home from close range as the Brazilian defence offered a sign of things to come.

Germany continued to pile the pressure on as they threatened with every attack, and their advantage was doubled midway through the first half when Miroslav Klose collected a pass from Toni Kroos before beating Cesar at the second attempt to score his 16th World Cup goal.

The home fans were not aware that it was just the start of an incredible phase of dominance from Germany, with Kroos making it 3-0 less than a minute later when he fired home from the edge of the box following good work from Philipp Lahm on the wing.

Brazil were further ahead moments later as Kroos helped himself to his second of the night by slotting home after he had combined with Sami Khedira to steal possession from Fernandinho.

Germany's fifth arrived before the break when Khedira got the goal his impressive display deserved by rolling the ball past a helpless Cesar, who had been forced out of position by Mesut Ozil's clever pass.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was forced to make changes at the break, and his humiliated side returned looking slightly more dangerous after the interval as Manuel Neuer was twice forced to deny Ramires.

Despite a clear improvement from the hosts going forward, their defensive frailties were still obvious to everyone watching as Cesar responded to push away Muller's curled effort from the edge of the box.

Andre Schurrle was introduced to add another option for the Germans in the attacking third of the pitch, and the Chelsea forward soon made an impact as he connected with Lahm's cross to make it 6-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

The frustration from the Brazilians was clear, but they were powerless to prevent the dominant Germans from extending their lead even further 10 minutes later as Schurrle sprinted away from David Luiz before hammering the ball in off the crossbar from a tight angle.

Oscar broke free of his markers in the final minute as Low's side continued to look for more goals, but the attacking midfielder's emphatic finish past Neuer failed to bring any joy to the home supporters on a night which belonged to the Germans.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Germany

Host nation Brazil will attempt to secure a place in the final at the World Cup when they take on Germany in their last-four clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari will be without Neymar, who has been their top scorer so far in this tournament, as he suffered a fractured vertebra during their quarter-final win over Colombia.

Brazil will also be missing their captain Thiago Silva after he picked up his second booking of the tournament, while Willian sustained a back injury during training, but insists that it will not stop him playing.

Meanwhile, Germany are still dealing with a bout of flu that has been working its way through the squad over the last week.

Defender Per Mertesacker missed training this weekend after coming down with the illness, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has been working away from his teammates.

However, Joachim Low has no players suspended and has reported no fresh injuries following their quarter-final win over France.

In the only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides, Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to claim the 2002 title, while the Germans won a friendly between the pair in their most recent meeting in 2011.

Recent form

Brazil: WWDWDW

Germany: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar, Maicon, Luiz, Alves, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian, Fred

Germany: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Lahm, Mertesacker, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Klose

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Netherlands Win Costa Rica 4 - 3 On Penalties

The Netherlands have booked their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup after beating Costa Rica on penalties following a goalless draw in Salvador.

Louis van Gaal's side triumphed in the shootout, with substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul making two saves to set up a last-four meeting against Argentina.

The game started slowly as the Netherlands dominated possession, but were unable to break down the organised backline of Jorge Luis Pinto's side.

Van Gaal's side could have taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Memphis Depay found Robin van Persie in space inside the box, but his shot was well saved by Keylor Navas while Wesley Sneijder hit the rebound straight at the keeper.

The Oranje continued to press and Van Persie turned provided for Depay for their next opportunity as slided a through ball down the left, but the forward's shot was well saved by Navas with his feet.

Costa Rica began to grow into the half and forced a scramble in the Netherlands backline when Campbell knocked the ball into the six-yard box, but Bruno Martins Indi cleared the ball before Bryan Ruiz could pounce.

The Netherlands showed pace on the break and Arjen Robben managed to win a free kick that allowed Sneijder a chance to threaten the Costa Rica goal. The midfielder fired a curling effort from 30 yards at goal, but again Navas as there to deny him.

After the break, Van Gaal's men got on the front foot again as Robben knocked a free kick in the direction of Sneijder on the edge of the box, but he could only drill his shot over the bar.

Pinto's men responded with a chance of their own as Christian Bolanos lifted a ball into the box from a set piece towards the back post where Giancarlo Gonzalez attacked it, only to see his header go just over.

Sneijder continued to effect the game and he delivered an excellent cross from a free kick, which was met by Ron Vlaar but he could only direct his headed effort over the bar.

The Galatasaray midfielder was then presented with another opportunity as Robben was brought down right on the edge of the box by Gonzalez. The 30-year-old's free kick bent over the wall but clattered off the post and Costa Rica managed to scramble the ball to safety.

Van Gaal's side upped the pressure and somehow the ball didn't cross the line when Daley Blind hit a ball across the face of goal, which was missed by both Stefan de Vrij and Dirk Kuyt with only a touch needed to score.

The ball then fell to Van Persie at the back post who fired at goal, but Yeltsin Tejeda managed to deflect the ball onto the bar and then over in a miraculous escape in stoppage time.

The Netherlands began extra time in command and Vlaar came close to finding the net with a powerful header from a corner that Navas had to turn wide of the post.

Costa Rica were looking to provide a threat and they believed that they should have been awarded a penalty when Marco Urena appeared to be brought down by Vlaar inside the box, but the referee waved away their appeals.

As extra time wore on the Costa Ricans began to look the more likely to grab a winner and Bolanos did well to work some room inside the box, before seeing his effort deflected wide of the post.
They came even closer moments later when Urena drove into the area and fired in a low strike that was blocked by Jasper Cillessen.

The Netherlands almost grabbed the win late on when Sneijder cut in from the left and worked himself some room, before bending a strike onto the crossbar.

In the last minute of extra time, Netherlands manager Van Gaal brought goalkeeper Krul on for Cillessen, as the match headed towards a penalty shootout.

Costa Rica went first in the shootout and Borges gave them the lead with a low effort into the corner, before Van Persie levelled the scores with a composed strike.

Ruiz took his country's next penalty and saw his effort saved by Krul, allowing Robben to give the Netherlands the lead with his well-taken strike into the top corner.

Gonzalez scored with his penalty, before Sneijder kept up his side's perfect record in the shootout.
Bolanos and Kuyt then both fired home from the spot, as the Netherlands went 4-3 up in the tie.

Umana had to score to keep Costa Rica in the match, but his spot kick was tipped around the post by Krul as the Netherlands booked a clash against Argentina in the last four.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Costa Rica (UPDATED)

The Netherlands go into their quarter-final clash with Costa Rica at the Arena Fonte Nova on Saturday looking to improve on a tiring display against Mexico in the last-16 stage of the World Cup.

Since thrashing Spain 5-1 in their group opener, the Dutch have failed to dominate in the way many expected, but efficient performances saw them through to a tricky tie against Miguel Herrera's men last Sunday.

Despite trailing in the 35-degree heat, Louis van Gaal's side played the game until the final minutes as they sought to wear their opposition down and it seemed to work as goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar saw them home with a last-gasp victory.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, have turned out to be the World Cup's surprise package. Save for their 0-0 draw with England, Jorge Luis Pinto's men have played some standout attacking football, having beaten Italy and dispatched Greece with a penalties win in the last 16.

Both sides are expected to be missing key players for this encounter, which could make for an even more engrossing spectacle.

For Holland, rumours have begun to circulate that Robin van Persie's inclusion could be a close call, with the Manchester United striker leaving training with a taped-up thigh on Wednesday, while Nigel de Jong is also expected to be absent because of a suspected torn groin muscle.

Costa Rica's chances of progression could be hampered by the absence from of commanding Oscar Duarte, who was dismissed against Greece in the last round. It was expected that Roy Miller would fill in to replace the defender, however he is due to miss out because of an injury to his left foot.

Pinto is now considering whether to bring in either Johnny Acosta or Jose Miguel Cubero to fill the void at the back.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWWW

Costa Rica: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Netherlands: Cillessen; Vlaar, Blind, De Vrij, Verhaegh; Martins Indi, Wijnaldum, Depay, Sneijder; Robben; Van Persie
Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Acosta, Diaz Campbell, Umana, Gonzalez, Ruiz, Tejeda Valverde, Campbel, Borges, Bolanos

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#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: Brazil 2 - 1 Colombia

Brazil have held on to see off Colombia and book their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men found themselves two goals ahead with 10 minutes remaining in Fortaleza, but a Colombian penalty left nerves wrangling until they saw out the contest 2-1 to progress through.

The tournament hosts were ahead with just seven minutes on the clock courtesy of captain Thiago Silva, who bundled the ball home at the back post unmarked from Neymar's corner.

Colombia nearly hit an instant reply through Juan Cuadrado's drilled effort, but a deflection off Silva on the way through ensured that the strike did not trouble Julio Cesar.

Three chances in short succession followed for Brazil as Hulk's cut-back was just about dealt with after he initially beat a man inside the area, before seeing another shot kept out by David Ospina who did well to get up to keep out the rebound.

Ospina was called into action again on the 28-minute mark to deny Hulk once more, as the much-maligned wideman latched on to Marcelo's cut-back inside the area before getting a shot away.

Neymar tried his luck from a free kick just before the interval, only for his attempt to fly high of the target with Ospina rooted to the spot.

Colombia went in search of an equaliser in the opening stages of the second half, but it took until the hour mark for their first opportunity as James Rodriguez picked out Fredy Guardin who sliced his volley over the bar following a promising move.

The Selecao did manage to double their lead 10 minutes later, however, with David Luiz finding the back of the net from all of 30 yards from a sublime free kick to make it 2-0.

Yet home celebrations were soon cut short with 10 minutes remaining as referee Carlos Velasco pointed to the spot when Cesar brought Carlos Bacca down inside the box. Rodriguez sent the keeper the wrong way to become the first player in World Cup history to score in the first six games of the showpiece event.

Brazilian star man Neymar was stretchered off with two minutes of normal time remaining to dampen spirits, while Colombia continued to push in search of a leveller, but Scolari's side saw out the final minutes to set up a meeting with Germany in the next round.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: France 0 - 1 Germany

Germany have sealed their progression into the semi-finals of the World Cup after Mats Hummels's first-half header was enough to down France in the Maracana this evening.

The Borussia Dortmund defender was on hand to head past Hugo Lloris on 13 minutes to send his nation into the last-four stage of the tournament, where they will face either Brazil or Colombia.

The build-up to the encounter was dominated by reports that many of the German camp had been suffering with flu.

However, there were no signs of fatigue early on and Joachim Low's side put to bed any rumors of malaise when Hummels nodded them ahead within 15 minutes.

The centre-half, recalled to the starting lineup in place of Per Mertesacker, vindicated his coach's faith in him by out-muscling Raphael Varane to glance a Toni Kroos free kick past Lloris.

Les Bleus slowly grew into the game and fashioned two goalscoring opportunities before the break, with Manuel Neuer producing a tidy save to deny Mathieu Valbuena before Karim Benzema was also thwarted by the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

Didier Deschamps's side managed to retain that momentum after the break and began the second half strongly, as Patrice Evra beat the offside trap from a free kick but his tame header never tested Neuer.

Having scored the opener, Hummels then denied France a prospective equaliser by throwing himself in the line of fire to block Benzema's close-range effort.

Unperturbed by the missed chance, France continued in the same vein and Neuer was forced to palm away Blaise Matuidi's thumping shot from an acute angle.

Andre Schurrle could, and perhaps should, have put the result beyond doubt in the closing 10 minutes, firing Mesut Ozil's cut-back pass at Lloris following a swift counter-attack from the Germans.

The Chelsea ace was denied again moments later, this time firing against the frame of Varane, but the missed opportunities would not come back to haunt Low's troops as Germany held on to seal their place in the semis for a record fourth successive tournament.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Colombia

The host nation will take on the tournament's top scorer so far when Brazil meet Colombia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at Fortaleza on Friday.

Brazil needed penalties to reach the last eight in their previous match against Chile, and come up against another of their South American rivals in the quarter-finals.

Luis Felipe Scolari will be without Luiz Gustavo, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament.

However, Neymar is expected to be available after overcoming thigh and knee complaints.

There are no such concerns for Colombia, who have reported no fresh injuries following their last-16 clash with Uruguay.

James Rodriguez, who currently leads the race for the golden boot with five goals, is expected to continue, while captain Mario Yepes appears to have put the thigh problem that hampered him earlier in the tournament behind him.

In the 12 previous meetings between these two sides, Brazil have won seven, while the other five have ended in a draw.

Recent form

Brazil: WWWDWD

Colombia: DWWWWW

Possible starting lineups
Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Fernandinho, Marcelo, Hulk Fred, Willian, Neymar, Oscar,

Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Armero, Sanchez, Zapata, Yepes, Cuadrado, Aguilar, Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Martinez

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: France Vs Germany

Two of the heavyweights of European football will go head to head in the quarter-finals at the World Cup later this week when France take on Germany at the Maracana.

France have reached the final of the World Cup the last two times that they have progressed beyond the group stages of the tournament, and will be hoping to continue that trend on Friday.

Didier Deschamps should have a full squad to chose from for the match, having reported no new injuries, while FIFA has decided not to punish Blaise Matuidi for a challenge on Ogenyi Onazi in their round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Joachim Low will be without Shkodran Mustafi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury, but Mats Hummels is thought to be nearing a return to fitness so could take his place in the starting lineup.

There are no other injuries or suspensions to trouble the Germans as they attempt to reach the last four for the fourth tournament in a row.

Last time the two countries played in the World Cup, the German side secured a 2-0 win over France in 1986.

Recent form
France: DWWWDW

Germany: DWWDWW

Possible starting lineups
France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Matuidi, Cabaye, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema

Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze

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