Here is a recap of Day 24 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
ARGENTINA 1 BELGIUM 0
Argentina reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990 with a 1-0 victory over Belgium. Gonzalo Higuain scored in the eighth minute of play and Argentina never looked back against a hapless-Belgian side. Displaying little of the attacking prowess that they showed against the United States, the Red Devils struggled to generate offense against an Argentine side that dominated possession. However If the Albiceleste are going to reach the final, they’ll have to do so without Angel Di Maria who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
NETHERLANDS 0 COSTA RICA 0 (Netherlands 4 Costa Rica 3 in penalties)
Costa Rica took the Netherlands to penalties, but they were unable to win their second straight shootout as the Dutch advanced to the semifinals for the second straight tournament. The Netherlands bossed the midfield, but the Costa Ricans' defensive shape kept the European power off the board. The match then went to penalties where late substitute Tim Krul made key two saves. Krul’s decisive save came in the fifth round when he denied former LA Galaxy defender Michael Umana to send the Netherlands through.
World Cup action continues on July 8 when a Neymar-less Brazil takes on Germany at 1:00 p.m. PT with the first berth in the World Cup final on the line.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
