Di Maria books Argentina's place in QF, sinks Swiss

Pre-tournament favourites Argentine rode on Angel Di Maria's late extra-time goal to eke out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Switzerland and progress to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup at the Arena Corinthians here today.
He didn't score today but four-time world footballer of the year and skipper Lionel Messi set up Di Maria for the only goal of the match deep into extra-time after both the teams failed to break the deadlock in regulation 90 minutes.
As expected Argentina controlled the lions share of possession in the match but their strikers failed breach the stubborn Swiss defence.
The game plan for the Swiss was to mark Messi closely and create chance in counter-attack. They managed to do that for most part of the game before the Argentine skipper came up with a brilliant run to set it up for Di Maria who made no mistake in finding the back of the net with a left-footer in the 118th minute.

A goalless draw seemed inevitable until Messi produces one of his patented dribbles to set up Di Maria, who duly booked a quarterfinal berth for the La Albiceleste against either USA or Belgium in Brasilia on Saturday.
After the change of ends it was all Argentina as they exerted relentless pressure on the Swiss defence with persistent attacks.

Marcos Rojo broke into the left of the Swiss penalty area but fired straight at Benaglio before Gonzalo Higuain's close-range header was acrobatically tipped over by the Swiss goalie.
Rodrigo Palacio, who came in for Ezequiel Lavezzi with just 16 minutes remaining, was straight in action as he within seconds he headed a Messi cross wide from six yards out.

Swiftly, Messi gathered a poor clearance on the edge of the box, side-stepped his marker and fire a low drive, which Benaglio did well to first keep out and then jump on amid flying boots.