Since the beginning of the WC I've always thought Argentina's ceiling was quarter finals. Despite that thought during this last 3 weeks I had the hope that something would click at the right time and get me more confident. Nothing has clicked. Even worse, things that one took for granted -our offensive power, for example- are no longer there. Argentina will lose. See you in Russia.
Hard to tell. I hope Belgian youngsters will have respect for argentina. If we win possesion, the odds are on our side. Otherwise...
Belgium could make it. But since years i feel that Brazil 2014 will be for Messi and Argentina what Mexico 86 was for Maradona and Argentina Legend!
Belgium will have to shoot slightly better. This Argentina defense is full of holes but unlike the US, they have an offense.
Argentina will probably win, although Belgium can certainly punish Argentina's porous defense. Unlike the Argentina-Swiss match, this one will have goals in 90 minutes even if it takes Argentina going to overtime to win it.
Don't think Messi has enough in him to win. This isn't a crazy talented squad. Di Maria and Messi don't scare me. Tevez was more dangerous than Di Maria four years ago and even then they didn't win it. This squad is much weaker in my opinion then the 2010 squad.
Argentina will win this, unless Courtois has another monster game. (e.g. like in that cup final vs. Real Madrid).
This could be quite a game. Surprising statement because neither have been at their best this world cup, but we've seen signs. Argentina have Messi and when you have a player of that quality, you can beat anyone. Having said that, it's such a disappointment that they haven't found a way to play as a team. There are some other world class players in that team (Aguero, Di Maria etc), but we just haven't seen them click as a team. As for Beglium, they've done well so far, showed some real character throughout. We saw their attacking qualities in the USA match but they really need to improve on their finishing. Yes Howard made some good saves but the finishing was poor. Belgium created enough to win 3/4-0 over the 90 minutes. Argentina won't be so forgiving with missed chances. I really feel an early goal and this could be game of the tournament. Just hope it isn't a cagey game, some of the worlds best attacking players are on the pitch, just want to see an open game. Belgium for me to win it in the end because they're more of a team and less reliant on one individual (Hazard is their best player and hasn't even been good this tournament. Argentina might not even be at this stage if the same was said about Messi).
Argentina to win this in extra-time (if they don't win it in extra-time, they will have a hard time against Courtois at penalties). Score 1-0
I'm not sure about this one. Belgium appears to be a team that matches well with Argentina and could very well exploit their weaknesses. Belgium will have to be more clinical and I'm still waiting for Hazard to show a world class performance at this WC. I'm interested to see how well Argentina can attack a bit wider on the flanks.
@Cviet - You might not be scared of Messi but trust me the teams facing him whether that be Belgium or Brazil or Germany will be scared of him, especially this World Cup because Messi has not played exceptionally well but has caused devastation to the teams facing him by either scoring winning goals or assisting winning goals. I'm not saying or predicting that Argentina can win the World Cup but looking at other big teams this year why can't they? They have equal chance as Brazil, Germany or Netherlands. The game against Swiss was very important for Argentina as Di Maria was finally able to open his account. That can be a huge factor playing against Belgium. Di Maria at his best can wreak havoc too. Aguero is also coming back. Belgium are good but if they are as wasteful as they were against US they're gonna pay, Belgium have Kompany who is a rock in defence but Vertongen can be vulnerable in the left. Argentina's defence is rubbish too but this game looks like it will be all about the firepower in the offence and who can finish their chances up front, don't know who Belgium will start Lukaku or Origi, Lukaku is a better finisher out of the two, anyway I still think Di Maria, Messi, Aguero is better than Hazard, Lukaku/Origi, De Bryune. I don't think the Belgians will park the bus so it might turn out to be a good game but I'll give Argentina the edge.
I'm pretty sure Lukaku will start. The Origi start against USA seems to have been Wilmot's method of shaking Lukaku up a bit, reminding him that you either produce or you see a lot of the bench.
Either Messi single handedly carries Argentina like Maradona did in 1986 or the Belgians take their chances and win 3-1. Like the other quarterfinals, this one should be really entertaining.