Di Maria out of World Cup

Argentina’s forward Angel di Maria looks likely to miss the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury in his side’s quarter-final win over Belgium, limping off after just 33 minutes.

Argentina had opened the scoring against Belgium before di Maria’s exit and managed to hold on. They now find themselves in the semi-final for the first time since 1990, where they will meet the Netherlands – another side who have not been as dominant as expected.

The forward, who has failed to find his best form this tournament, will undergo a scan today to discover the extent of the injury, but media in South America are reporting that he will play no further part in Argentina’s campaign.

In the five matches di Maria has featured in, the last being just 33 minutes prior to his injury and subsequent substitution, he found the net once, against Switzerland in the round of 16. The Real Madrid star has only achieved a pass success rate of 65.7% and has failed to steal the spotlight this summer, overshadowed by tea-mate Lionel Messi.

Despite this, his absence may prove costly, as a large number of the Argentine stars have failed to perform.

There is some good news, however, as Sergio Aguero returned to training on the eve of their clash with Belgium and could yet return for Argentina before the tournament ends.