The only sour note for Argentina after the joy of beating Belgium to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals is the news that Alejandro Sabella will have to do without Angel di María for the rest of the tournament.

The winger-cum-midfielder limped off half an hour into his country's quarter-final tie and tests after the match revealed that he had sustained a muscle tear. Though it is nothing earth-shattering, the blow is serious enough to keep the star out for the remainder of the competition, even if the 'Albiceleste' reach the final on 13th July.

'El Fideo' pulled up on the half-hour mark when shooting from the edge of the box after a pass from Leo Messi. Di Maria's left-footed shot was blocked by Vincent Kompany and the Argentine ended up in pain on the ground holding his right foot - for which he was given ice when he got to the bench.

Di Maria tried to play on, but to no avail and moments after returning to the pitch he was replaced by Enzo Perez.