World Cup Opta Stats: Argentina v Belgium

Can Lionel Messi inspire Argentina to victory when they face Belgium?

One of the World Cup favourites meet a dark horse as Argentina face Belgium. Opta have all the stats.

Argentina have won three of their four encounters with Belgium, scoring 10 goals and conceding four. They are 2.245/4 to win within 90 minutes.

Since the start of the 2010 World Cup, Argentina have won eight of their nine games in the competition. Argentina are 1.594/7 to qualify.

Argentina have won six of their last 19 World Cup games against European sides at the World Cup. Belgium are 3.8514/5 to win within 90 minutes.

Argentina haven't won any of their last four World Cup quarter finals outright, going through on penalties against Yugoslavia in 1990 and being eliminated in 1998 (1-2 v Netherlands), 2006 (on penalties v Germany) and 2010 (0-4 v Germany). Belgium are 2.6613/8 to qualify.

Belgium have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for only the second time in their history after 1986. They eventually finished fourth. Belgium are 4.216/5 to go one better and finish in the top three.

Argentina have been victorious (via penalties or winning AET) in six of their seven World Cup games that have gone to extra-time. The Argentines are 10.09/1 to win within extra time.

Belgium's six goals in this World Cup have all been scored from the 70th minute onwards. Also, four of their six goals have been scored by substitutes. The draw half-time/Belgium full-time is 8.415/2.

Belgium and Argentina have had the most shots in this World Cup (83 and 80 respectively). Marc Wilmots' men have also had the most attempts on target (32). Over 2.5 goals is 2.427/5.

Lionel Messi has scored (4) and assisted (1) five of Argentina's seven goals at this World Cup. Three of his four goals have been scored from outside the box. Messi is 2.245/4 to score.

Kevin De Bruyne delivered the final ball for a Belgian shot 10 times against the USA, more than any other player in a game at this World Cup. He was also involved in both Belgian goals, scoring the first and assisting the second. De Bruyne is 5.59/2 to score.