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Saturday 5 July 2014
Gonzalo Higuain fires Argentina into FIFA World Cup 2014 semis
Gonzalo Higuain smashed home an early goal as Argentina dashed the FIFA World Cup 2014 dreams of Belgium with a 1-0 win in the quarter-finals in Brasilia on Saturday.
Higuain struck in the eighth minute at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium to send Argentina into the last four for the first time since 1990 and thwart Belgian hopes of avenging their defeat in the 1986 semi-finals.
Alejandro Sabella’s side will now play either the Netherlands or Costa Rica, who face off in the fourth and final quarter-final later on Saturday.
“It was our best game of the World Cup,” said Sabella.
Netherlands vs Costa Rica, FIFA World Cup 2014 4th Quarter-final Match Preview: Oranje takes on underdog Costa Rica
After a miraculous escape against Mexico, the high flying Dutchman will look to seal the deal against Costa Rica who many believe have already run their race in the tournament. Netherlands who have previously lost in three World Cup finals are desperate of all the sides to lay their hands on the coveted trophy and under manager Luis Van Gaal they have looked an inspired outfit. Costa Rica is clearly up against it when the two sides meet in Fortaleza in the last quarter final of the 2014 World Cup.
NETHERLANDS: Coach Luis Van Gaal has been dealt a blow with midfielder Nigel De Jong out of the World Cup with groin injury and it will be interesting to see who will replace him in the starting eleven. The Dutch will continue to play in the 5-3-2 formation with two wing backs with the industrious Dirk Kyut from the left back position. All eyes will be on Arjen Robben who was at the centre of yet another diving controversy. After his admission to diving in the first half of the round of 16 match against Mexico, questions are being asked about integrity of the man who many feel has cheated. The Netherlands campaign has been marked by the masterful substitutions made by Luis Van Gaal which has clearly made Manchester United fans hopeful of good days coming back to Old Trafford.
FIFA World Cup 2014: Facts Punch Netherlands vs Costa Rica, 4th Quarter-final
Fighting for the last semi-final spot are Netherlands and the underdogs Costa Rica. Netherlands have been in supreme touch winning all their matches prior to quarter-final clash. Runners-up in last World Cup Netherlands will surely want one more shot at the glory, but first they need to get past a side who have been instrumental in knocking out former champions Italy and England.
Not many would have given Costa Rica a place in their pre-World Cup predictions but with every passing game they have impressed one and all. As these two teams set out to earn a place in the semi-final here we are with some interesting facts involving both the teams.
1) Unbeaten in this year’s tournament so far, Netherlands’ only defeat in their last 11 World Cup matches came against Spain in the final of 2010 mega-event.
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