Argentina vs Belgium preview World Cup 2014: A statistical look at the quarter-final in Brasilia

WhoScored.com take a look at the stats to suggest how the upcoming matches may pan out and where each game could be won and lost

Can Lionel Messi excel again against Belgium? (Getty)

It took both Argentina and Belgium extra-time in the round of 16 in order to get to this stage so squad rotation could be key, and it's an area where Belgium have excelled thus far.

The Red Devils are still to score before the 70-minute mark, with 5 of their 6 goals coming from substitutes. Wayward finishing has let them down at times and they'll need to take their chances in a game in which Argentina will likely have the lion's share of possession.

Indeed, Alejandro Sabella's side have averaged a higher share of the ball than any other side at the tournament (65.1%) and have, at times, struggled to make it count. They tend to suffer when teams sit back against them and Belgium may well be happy to do exactly that, looking to exploit the pace on the flanks, with no side having scored more goals on the counter to this point than Wilmots' side (3).

Another suspension, this time for Argentina left-back Marcos Rojo, could again prove telling in this match. The South Americans will likely field centre-back Jose Basanta in his stead so Belgium may be wise to get Eden Hazard out to the right during the game to get isolated with the defender. Belgium, however, are another team that field four centre-backs and the likes of Di Maria and Lavezzi will certainly look to occupy the stand-in full-backs going the other way, leaving more room for Messi to get on the ball infield.

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.