Key clash: Lionel Messi (Argentina) v Vincent Kompany (Belgium)
Messi’s
form is everything to Argentina – he looked quiet in their last-16 game
and then won the tie with a moment of brilliance late in extra time.
Kompany is world class but prone to the very occasional slip – something
he can’t afford against the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.
One to watch: Javier Mascherano (Argentina)
All
the focus has been on Messi but Mascherano has been so important for
them in midfield. He has played a lot of football at centre-back for
Barcelona so his defensive skills are better than they were when he was
at Liver
Belgium have reached the
quarter finals of the World Cup for only the second time in their
history after 1986. They eventually finished fourth.
• Argentina have been victorious (via penalties or winning AET) in six of their seven World Cup games that have gone to extra-time.
• Argentina and Belgium are two of three teams to have won all their games at the 2014 World Cup (extra-time included), with Holland. All four of Argentina and Belgium’s wins have been by a one goal difference.
• Belgium’s six goals in this World Cup have all been scored from the 70th minute onwards. Also, four of their six goals have been scored by substitutes.
• Belgium have only been ahead for 52 minutes in their four World Cup games so far in 2014, less than any of the seven other teams in the quarter finals.
• Belgium and Argentina have had the most shots in this World Cup (83 and 80 respectively). Marc Wilmots’ men have also had the most attempts on target (32).
• Argentina have averaged 64.3 per cent of possession in this World Cup, the highest ratio of the tournament.
• Lionel Messi has scored (4) or assisted (1) five of Argentina’s seven goals at this World Cup. Three of his four goals have been scored from outside the box.
• Messi is the player who has completed the most dribbles at this World Cup (24) and created the most chances for his team-mates (18).
• In the last 16 game against Switzerland, Angel di Maria attempted 12 shots, the most ever in a World Cup match by an Argentinian player (1966-2014). He also scored the only goal of the game.
• Javier Mascherano has won more tackles than any other player at this World Cup (18 out of 22 attempted).
• Kevin De Bruyne delivered the final ball for a Belgian shot 10 times against the USA, more than any other player in a game at this World Cup. He was also involved in both Belgian goals, scoring the first and assisting the second.
Belgium have reached the
quarter finals of the World Cup for only the second time in their
history after 1986. They eventually finished fourth.• Argentina have been victorious (via penalties or winning AET) in six of their seven World Cup games that have gone to extra-time.
• Argentina and Belgium are two of three teams to have won all their games at the 2014 World Cup (extra-time included), with Holland. All four of Argentina and Belgium’s wins have been by a one goal difference.
• Belgium’s six goals in this World Cup have all been scored from the 70th minute onwards. Also, four of their six goals have been scored by substitutes.
• Belgium have only been ahead for 52 minutes in their four World Cup games so far in 2014, less than any of the seven other teams in the quarter finals.
• Belgium and Argentina have had the most shots in this World Cup (83 and 80 respectively). Marc Wilmots’ men have also had the most attempts on target (32).
• Argentina have averaged 64.3 per cent of possession in this World Cup, the highest ratio of the tournament.
• Lionel Messi has scored (4) or assisted (1) five of Argentina’s seven goals at this World Cup. Three of his four goals have been scored from outside the box.
• Messi is the player who has completed the most dribbles at this World Cup (24) and created the most chances for his team-mates (18).
• In the last 16 game against Switzerland, Angel di Maria attempted 12 shots, the most ever in a World Cup match by an Argentinian player (1966-2014). He also scored the only goal of the game.
• Javier Mascherano has won more tackles than any other player at this World Cup (18 out of 22 attempted).
• Kevin De Bruyne delivered the final ball for a Belgian shot 10 times against the USA, more than any other player in a game at this World Cup. He was also involved in both Belgian goals, scoring the first and assisting the second.
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