Gonzalo Higuain's goal gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Belgium and a place in their first World Cup semi-finals since 1990 on Saturday.

Argentina – who last won the trophy in 1986 – will play the winner of Saturday's second semi-final between the Netherlands and Costa Rica in Sao Paulo next Wednesday.

Higuain hit a superb volley in the eighth minute after Belgium failed to close him down in a move that started in the centre circle.

Belgium got back into the game towards the end of the half with Kevin Mirallas, who had been selected in preference to Dries Mertens, headed narrowly wide.

Argentina, who maintained their record of not losing a World Cup knockout game after taking the lead since 1958, saw forward Angel di Maria go off injured after receiving intensive treatment on the pitch in the first-half.

Higuain had a glorious chance to double the lead early in the second-half but having beaten Vincent Kompany he rattled the bar with his shot.

Belgium offered very little and had Thibaut Courtois to thank when Messi broke on his own in time added on but the goalkeeper spread himself and saved.

Defeat is the first competitive game Belgium have lost under Marc Wilmots since he took over at the helm in 2012.