FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Highlights: Argentina vs. Switzerland and Belgium vs. USA

The final fixtures of the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil have been concluded and Argentina and Belgium have claimed the last two quarterfinal spots with wins over Switzerland and the USA respectively. Both matches were decided on extra time after regulation time ended with no goals scored.

The lack of goals did not mean that there was a shortage of attacking opportunities. Argentina dominated the game and managed 29 attempts despite Switzerland's best efforts to park the bus and neutralize the deadly Argentine offensive line.

In the end, it was some brilliant dribbling from Lionel Messi that opened up the opportunity for Angel Di Maria to strike the ball in for the winner in the 118th minute allowing the Argentines to decide the match in open play and not on unpredictable penalties.

Argentina 1-0 Switzerland

(Angel Di Maria 118')

Date: July 1, 2014

Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo

Man of the Match: Lionel Messi

Match Statistics:

The USA had a good run in the FIFA World Cup 2014 after qualifying to the knockout stage from the group of death with Portugal Germany and Ghana. They were not able to do one better than their 2010 performance where they also went out in the round of 16.

This time their defeat came in the hands of Belgium whose attack was relentless and gave USA keeper Tim Howard plenty to do during the match which was also decided on extra time. Belgium dominated the attack with 27 shots on target and eventually, USA had to relent and two goals were conceded in the first half of extra time. A late goal by the USA gave a glimmer of hope but there was not enough time to find the equaliser.

Belgium 2-1 USA

(De Bruyne 93', Lukaku 105') (Green 107')

Date: July 1, 2014

Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Man of the Match: Tim Howard (USA)

Match Statistics: