Ben Smith in Brasilia
BBC Sport

During half-time, Brazilian TV interrupted coverage of this game to beam live pictures of Neymar leaving the team's base north of Rio by helicopter. We might be watching Argentina v Belgium here in Brasilia but it is the name of the Brazil No 10 which is being sung more regularly than anyone else's.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"Magnificent run from Gonzalo Higuain and his shot hits the top of the crossbar. It came from terrible play from the Belgians. They attacked, lost the ball and it could have been 2-0."

Samuel Brandt:, external Time for Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens. Belgium lacking strength and ability to get in behind.

Freddie Ashworth:, external Laboured in possession, Belgium can't be on the back foot anymore. Take the game to Argentina. Lukaku and Adnan Januzaj on.

Steven Jerjian:, external If there's one thing we've learnt from this World Cup, it's that Belgium don't start playing until 70 minutes. Game still very much on.

Vincent Kompany has produced some vital challenges in this game, but he has also had a couple of clangers too. This time his weak attempt to stop Gonzalo Higuain sees the ball deflect off his heel and into the path of Higuain, allowing the Argentina man to run through on goal. He smashes an effort that beats Thibaut Courtois but smacks the top of the bar.

First booking of the day goes to Belgium's Eden Hazard as he dives in on Martin Demichelis. Lionel Messi's subsequent free-kick is palmed behind by Thibaut Courtois.

Gonzalo Higuain rampages into the area from the left before trying his luck with a low drive that smacks off Daniel van Buyten's foot, deflecting just wide of Thibaut Courtois's goal. That could have gone anywhere.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"It's interesting to see now that Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini is playing much closer to striker Divock Origi. They have gone 4-1-4-1 now with only Axel Witsel protecting the back four.

"That will leave more space for Lionel Messi and he could quite enjoy the second half as it will be the first time in this World Cup when he won't have lots of bodies around him."

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is deep in conversation with Romelu Lukaku as the two teams wander back out to take up their positions on the pitch. Could he be about to be introduced? Back under way.

Jonathan Guckian:, external Marouane Fellaini v Lionel Messi is by some distance the biggest mismatch I've seen at this World Cup so far.

Mat Thorley:, external Eden Hazard reminds me of a poor man's Samir Nasri. Every time he gets the ball he slows play down.

Rishi Verma:, external Alejandro Sabella spot on with Lucas Biglia's inclusion to add more bite in midfield, plus help Pablo Zabaleta to keep Hazard quiet. So far, so good.

The memorable picture below was immaculately timed to give the impression that Diego Maradona needed six Belgium players to keep him under control. In fact, it was the result of a wall breaking up, so not exactly as it seems...

Image source, Getty Images

...but there is no manipulation of these pictures from today's game. I lost count of the number of legs that were stuck in trying to get the ball from Lionel Messi moments before he won that free-kick on the edge of the area.

Image source, AP

Image source, AP

Image source, Getty Images

The possession stats don't really do Argentina justice considering how in control they were for the vast majority of the half. They have only managed two more shots than Belgium and you get the feeling if Marc Wilmots's side can snatch an equaliser, the momentum could quickly switch, just as it did for the United States against Belgium on Tuesday.

Ben Smith in Brasilia
BBC Sport

"That was a first-half performance dominated by the artistry and guile of Lionel Messi. At times during the first half, the Argentina fans stood and bowed down to the man who is driving their team into the semi-finals. There were 40-yard passes struck with the precision of a master craftsman, there were clever pirouettes and there was a spin that set up the only goal. Belgium have had the odd sniff of goal but they need to let themselves off the leash just a little."

Neil, Oxford: Looking like 3-0 to Lionel Messi and co. Belgium can't cope with Argentina.

Image source, AP

Sean Walker:, external Awful first half from Belgium. So lethargic.

Charlie Macleod:, external Can't believe big Romelu Lukaku hasn't started. Bring him on and he WILL score. Easy as that Mr. Wilmots.

Adam Byrne:, external Belgium are not at the races at all today.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a fantastic strike from Gonzalo Higuain to give Argentina the lead. Belgium have got to do much better in the second half. It has been a poor display from them going forward."

Advantage Argentina at the break and they were looking very comfortable up until that injury to Angel Di Maria. Belgium improved as the half wore on but they need to step it up another gear in the second half if they are to find an equaliser.

Lionel Messi is like a cat stalking his prey at times as he prowls with the ball at his feet, toying with Marouane Fellaini, before bursting forward and then spraying a pass out to Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Messi darts into the area and receives the return pass, but it comes at him too strongly and the balls bounces off his feet and is then cleared.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"Belgium are looking for the crossfield diagonal ball all the time to get in behind the Argentina defence. They have to use Divock Origi's pace a bit more. That header just wide from Kevin Mirallas was a good chance."

You can listen to BBC Radio 5 live coverage by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Oh so close for Belgium as Jan Vertonghen curls in a fine ball for Everton's Kevin Mirallas, who directs a low header just wide of the post. Seconds later, Argentina go up the other end and win a corner, but it comes to nothing.

Image source, Reuters

Belgium holds its breath as Lionel Messi stands over the free-kick but sighs in relief as he launches it over the bar. An escape for the Belgians.