World Cup: Belgium Attempts to Take on Messi

Just by having Lionel Messi on their side, Argentina is one of the strongest teams in the World Cup.  They have struggled in a few of their games but Messi has been the team's guardian angel each and every time.  Even when Switzerland put pressure on Messi restricting the captain all over the pitch, he managed to find Di Maria with an incredible pass to win the game in the 118th minute.  

Belgium have been brilliant this tournament and just like Argentina, they have won all their games so far.  It was a tough fought battle against an American team that wouldn't give up and a record-breaking performance by the US goalie Tim Howard.  Belgium however were just way too strong for the Americans defense.  Much like the Argentina - Switzerland game, this one was decided in overtime meaning that both teams had to fight the same battle in order to get here.

Tale of the Tape

In all, Argentina and Belgium have met 4 times with the South Americans taking 3/4 and scoring 10 goals to Belgium's 4.  

Keys to Victory

Argentina will need to provide much better support to Messi and Di Maria if they are to beat Belgium.  Watch out for Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini for Belgium but both teams have dangerous players across the board. This should be one of the best games so far at the Brazil World Cup and you can catch the action from Estádio Nacional de Brasilia.

Prediction

I personally hope this game is decided in regular time which might be easier said then done as both will be on the non-stop attack from the first whistle.  I will go with Argentina 3-2 with a couple goals from Messi in the clutch over Belgium to reach the Semi-Final.  Belgium does have a chance, but in the end Messi is the best in the world and that counts for a lot.

It's a game that cannot be missed and the winner will face either the Netherlands or Costa Rica also tonight at 09:00pm UK time.