Argentina vs. Belgium, 2014 World Cup: Live coverage and score updates

It took less than eight minutes for Argentina to net the game’s only goal, with Gonzalo Higuaín lashing an excellent volley inside Thibaut Courtois’ far post. Though there was a hint of good fortune as the ball initially deflected into his path, the perfect finish was all skill.

Argentina continued to look threatening on the counter-attack, with Lionel Messi and Ángel di María at the heart of all of their quick breaks. However, they lost the latter to a thigh injury just past the half-hour, just as Belgium began to look a little more dangerous in possession. The Red Devils produced their best chance of the half in the 42nd minute, though Kevin Mirallas headed Jan Vertonghen’s cross just wide.

Gonzalo Higuain almost scored. He didn’t. This is how Alejandro Sabella reacted. WHOAAAJHSDFJKHSDF

Gonzalo Higuaín scored to put Argentina ahead, and Argentines celebrated accordingly ... except for Sad Trombone Man:

Bob Ley’s right. No matter how much you watch, Sad Trombone Man won’t join in the fun.

The pass here isn’t the best -- it’s actually very lucky, since it bounced off a Belgium defender and was headed nowhere near Higuain -- but it was effective at least. What you don’t see here is all of the build-up work Lionel Messi did to create this goal. He dropped really deep to find the ball, then dodged the entire Belgium midfield and made a couple of really impressive turns to keep and advance the ball.