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Gallery: World Cup - Day 20

Updated / Wednesday, 2 Jul 2014 00:46

The first match of Day 20 saw Argentina take on Switzerland in sunny São Paulo

Take a look at the best pictures from Day 20 of the World Cup, featuring Argentina v Switzerland and Belgium v USA in the final fixtures of the Round of 16.

Some pretty ripped Swiss fans showed up to cheer on their side

While the Argentinians toted along photos of some of their country's all-time greats

The Argentina squad - which many predicted could go the distance here in Brazil - lined up before the start of the match

The Swiss bench looked on as well, led by grieving coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, whose brother had passed away just one day prior

The usual crowd of photographers lined up to capture memories of the day

While both sides kicked off the cagey, yet balanced opening half. Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi and Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri threw themselves into it early on

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka was frustrated by a call or two, especially when he was booked at 36'

And Shaqiri continued to chase the ball and work to create some chances for his side in red

Argentina's superstar captain Lionel Messi failed to create any magic in the first 45' as Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez and the like worked tirelessly to keep him in check

The Swiss sure kept Messi pretty well surrounded

Argentina did put some pressure on Switzerland keeper Diego Benaglio later in the first, but both sides headed into the break drawn scoreless and looking for a breakthrough

And even though it was anyone's guess who would emerge victorious by the end of it, Argentina fans watching the match at the Copacabana in Rio were elated all the same

Argentina keeper Sergio Romero prepared to get the second half underway at the Arena Corinthians

Messi continued to stalk the pitch, darting in and out of the stadium's shadows

Benaglio made a tremendous save midway through the second, just punching out a lightning quick ball heading into the top of the net

Benaglio prevented the Argentinian equaliser with his leap to great heights

Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago and Shaqiri continued to battle it out throughout regular time

But, at the end of 90' the score was still drawn at 0-0. Messi took on fluids to prepare for the extra 30 minutes of play

At the start of extra-time, the Swiss team sent their love to fans watching around the world with their heart-shaped huddle

Messi continued to mire in frustration, as his side could not crack the Swiss defence

His fans kept offering rally cries of support

Which, eventually, helped Argentina pull through to victory. Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria knocked a low roller just past Benaglio, off an assist from Messi at 118'

Escaping a slew of late challenges from the Swiss, Argentina somehow came out on top 1-0, punching their ticket to the quarter-finals

There was a colourful atmosphere in Salvador as the USA met Belgium for the right to play Argentina

The US took up a typically patriotic stance as their anthem was played at the Arena Fonte Nova

Belgium made a quick start and Divock Origi was denied inside the first minute by Tim Howard

Da da da dah! Da da da dah! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's ... just some guy invading the pitch. The game restarted after a brief stoppage.

It was a tight and tense opening quarter with Belgium having the best of the chances

There was a blow for the US as defender Fabian Johnson went off with a hamstring injury

Youngster DeAndre Yedlin came on and was soon into action against tricky Eden Hazard

Belgian captain Vincent Kompany was booked for a challenge on his opposite number Clint Dempsey

Belgium had more of the ball but could not force the breakthrough as the teams went in level at the break

Belgium also bossed the start of the second half, but only DaMarcus Beasley ended up in the US net

Tim Howard produced numerous saves to keep out the Belgians as they dominated after the break

When Howard was beaten, Origi couldn't find the target

As the US battled to stay in the game, they had the support of fans across the country, including at Chicago's Soldier Field stadium

The US struggled in possession and were forced to sit deep as Belgium pressed for the opening goal

The US hung on with Chris Wondolowski missing a sitter to win it from six yards in injury-time

The pressure paid off for Belgium as Kevin De Bruyne fired them into the lead early into extra-time

De Bruyne's low shot found the bottom corner, finally beating Howard

The Belgian goal celebrations were as much joy as relief

Substitute Romelu Lukaku smashed home a first-time shot to put Belgium 2-0 ahead

Lukaku made a huge contribution when he was introduced for Origi

Belgium switched off just after the break in extra-time and Julian Green ran on to a Michael Bradley pass to volley into the corner

The strike triggered a remarkable comeback from the US as they bet down the goal looking an equaliser

From seeming so comfortable after the goals, Belgium were suddenly looking rattled

The US couldn't get the equaliser much to the relief of Belgian coach Marc Wilmots and his staff

Dejection was written all over the US players' faces afterwards

Tim Howard and co will go home to a rapturous welcome, while Belgium move on to a quarter-final against Argentina in Brasilia

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