In the final Round of 16 matches, it was never a dull moment as Argentina and Switzerland played out an exasperating match which the former one thanks to a winner from Angel di Maria.
In the final Round of 16 matches, it was never a dull moment as Argentina and Switzerland played out an exasperating match which the former one thanks to a winner from Angel di Maria while Belgium held their nerves to win 2-1 against the USA despite the American goalie making a record 16 saves. Here’s the review of both the games that were played on Tuesday
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Winner – Argentina
Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria scored in the 118th minute of the Extra Time played on Tuesday to give Argentina a 1-0 win over Switzerland and a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. With a penalty shootout looming large, Lionel Messi made a surging run toward the Swiss area and laid the ball off to Di Maria on the right, and the winger sent a left-foot shot past diving the Swiss goalkeeper. It was a dramatic ending to what had been a tight match, with Argentina struggling to break through Switzerland’s disciplined defence. Though Argentina dominated throughout the game, it was Switzerland that had the best chances in the slow-paced first half. Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri cut in from the left in the 28th and found Granit Xhaka in the middle of the penalty area, but Sergio Romero stopped latter’s shot with his left foot. The Swiss defence were at their level best and did what they came for – stop Lionel Messi from scoring. But luck deserted them as Di Maria and Messi combined to break the Switzerland fans’ hearts.
Belgium vs. USA
Winner – Belgium
Belgium kept their unbeaten record on track as they recorded their fourth consecutive victory to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a thrilling 2-1 extra time win over the US on Tuesday. Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne scored the crucial opener for Belgium in the 93rd minute after US goalkeeper Tim Howard’s heroics had kept the match goalless in regular time. Extra time substitute Romelu Lukaku made the difference for Belgium. The Chelsea forward on loan to Everton last season had an instant impact as he assisted for the opener while scored the second in the 105th minute to double his side’s lead. Despite star Eden Hazard on the field, Belgium had to rely on De Bruyne and Lukaku to deliver the goods.
The end result, Argentina will meet Belgium in the quarters and with the action so far, Messi and his merry men can ignite yet another exhilarating display!
