Higuain goal sends Argentina into first semi-final since 1990

The side coached by Alejandro Sabella were lucky to get on the right track early on, with a goal from Gonzalo Higuain just eight minutes into the game at the Estadio Nacional, and they generally appeared to have the match under control.

Argentina made the most of the fact that Belgium left space at the back for Messi, Angel Di Maria before he went off injured and a revived Gonzalo Higuain to move around in the danger zone. 

Eden Hazard underperformed for Belgium, although Marc Wilmots' men created some chances off crosses from Jan Vertonghen and Kevin De Bruyne.

The winner of the Netherlands v Costa Rica in Saturday's later quarter-final will face Argentina in the semi-final.

The decisive goal came as Messi tried to make a pass to Di Maria and the deflection off Belgium defender Vertonghen left the ball to Higuain. A great right-foot shot from the Napoli striker appeared to take keeper Thibaut Courtois by surprise on the way to the net.

Argentina continued to charge into Courtois' box regularly, while Belgium appeared harmless. Even Di Maria's exit from the pitch in the 33rd minute did not seem to destabilize the two-time world champions. The Real Madrid winger appeared to have suffered an injury to his right thigh and left his place to Enzo Perez.

Higuain, who had come under fire for poor performances during the World Cup so far, was clearly motivated by his first goal in his last six matches with Argentina. He was very active, constantly moved behind the defence and kept Belgium's back line very busy to be deservedly named man of the match.

Messi sent a free kick high in the 38th minute and a cross that closed in on the goal and prompted a deflection from Courtois eight minutes into the second half. In the 54th minute, a good effort from Higuain hit the crossbar.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots tried to shake up his team on the hour, bringing on Romelu Lukaku to replace Divock Origi after the 19-year-old striker - who became the youngest player to start a World Cup quarter-final since Pele - failed to have an impact on the game.

A good header from Marouane Fellaini off a Vertonghen cross went high and a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne was deflected towards goal by Argentina centre-back Ezequiel Garay, but Sergio Romero produced the required save.

Courtois contained Messi's injury-time shot after a good run in extra time, and Belgium kept up the tension to the last, but Argentina defended resolutely to come out on top at the final whistle.

Belgium's young side can be proud of their performances and achievements in Brazil as a springboard for Euro 2016 and beyond but it is Argentina who can look forward to a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.