BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has made three changes to his lineup for the World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium.
In addition to Jose Basanta replacing suspended left back Marcos Rojo, Martin Demichelis is making his first appearance in the tournament, taking Federico Fernandez’s spot in central defense.
Lucas Biglia is playing in midfield instead of Fernando Gago, who hasn’t impressed in previous games.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots decided to play right back Toby Alderweireld, who had been troubled by a thigh strain, opting not to replace him with the untested Laurent Ciman.
Up front, he replaced Dries Mertens with Kevin Mirallas and stuck with teenage center forward Divock Origi at the expense of Romelu Lukaku.
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Lineups:
Argentina: Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Ezequiel Garay, Jose Basanta; Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria; Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Daniel Van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen; Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini, Kevin De Bruyne; Kevin Mirallas, Divock Origi, Eden Hazard.
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