Full time: Argentina 1-0 Belgium

Full time: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica (after extra time) - Netherlands win 4-3 on penalties

23:56: Well what a finish to a tension-ridden quarter-final in Salvador. Netherlands prevail and will face Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the final. Well that's all we've got time for on this World Cup live text. We'll be back in mid-week for both semi-finals to find out who will play in the final on Sunday. Until then, goodbye.

23:51: Tim Krul, the super sub in extra time, is the hero for Netherlands with two penalty saves as the Dutch knock-out Costa Rica and book a semi-final on Wednesday against Argentina. Costa Rica were typically brave, but couldn't win a second successive shoot-out. Louis van Gaal's gamble pays off and his reputation, ahead of moving to Manchester United, swells further.

NETHERLANDS THROUGH TO WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL

Umana misses (4-3)

Kuyt scores (4-3)

Balanos scores (3-3)

Sneijder scores (3-2)

Gonzalez scores (2-2)

Robben scores (2-1)

Ruiz misses (1-1)

Van Persie scores (1-1)

Borges scores (0-1)

23:42: Krul comes on a penalty specialist you would think, in his first World Cup appearance but the Newcastle stopper has saved just two out of 20 spot kicks for his club. Here we go then, with Costa Rica to take first.

23:39: So we go to penalties. Amid the drama at the end, Tim Krul came on to replace Cillessen in the final minute. Huge call from Louis van Gaal against a Costa Rica side lets not remember, who scored all five spot-kicks in beating Greece in the last 16.

Full time: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica

23:34: AGAINST THE BAR! I don't believe the end to this game. Wesley Sneijder beats Keylor Navas but smashes against the crossbar.

23:32: Costa Rica coming on strong now as Bolanos' shot is deflected behind but the corner, their first of the game after 115 minutes, is wasted and well overhit. Now Cillessen makes a superb save from Urena. End to end finish to this extra time period.

23:29: Tim Krul is warming up by the touchline, surely in preparation for coming on for the penalty shoot-out but he is almost not required as Costa Rica almost grab the winner. Bolanos twists and turns in the box but can't get his shot away. Thrilling end to this game.

23:20: Klass Jan Huntelaar on for Netherlands in Louis van Gaal's final role of the dice. No doubt Costa Rica will fancy themselves on penalties, having scored all give in their win over Greece. Back under way in Salvador.

Half time in extra time: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica

23:12: Little doubt that Costa Rica should be down to ten men, and Netherlands have now ridden their luck with the officials after Bruno Martins Indi smashes into Bryan Ruiz, leaving the Fulham man polaxed. No punishment for the Dutch defender though.

23:09: Penalty shout for Costa Rica during a rare attack in the Netherlands half, as Urena goes down in the box under the attention of Vlaar but the official tells him to get to his feet. After seeing the replay, the referee has a point, a horrid dive from the forward.

23:05: Predictably the first chance of the second half comes to Netherlands, when a Ron Vlaar header is turned away by Navas. The Costa Rica goalkeeper now makes a rare error, coming for a corner and getting none of the ball but seeing the ball bounce fortunately wide.

23:00: So here we go, 30 mnutes of extra time to decide the final World Cup semi-finalist. Back under way in Salvador.

22:56: By hook or by crook, Costa Rica hold out for extra time and Netherlands must play an extra 30 minutes if they're to book their place in the last four. Not really sure how the Dutch didn't score in the closing minutes there but while Costa Rica live in this tie, their hopes of reaching a first World Cup semi-final remain. If that final 15 minutes is anything to go by however, this could be a cracking 30-minute period.

Full time: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica

22:53: Lost for words how Netherlans aren't ahead. Van Persie's free-kick is beaten away by Navas, but when the ball comes back in, Blind crosses and three Dutch players miss the ball before Van Persie's effort is cleared off the line and onto the bar by Tejeda. Unbelievable stuff.

22:51: Into the first of four added minutes. Can the Dutch preent extra time? Arjen Robben fouled by Diaz Campbell, who has already been booked, but stays on the field. No idea how referee Irmatov has come to that decision.

22:48: Who knows how the Dutch aren't ahead. Sneijder plays a delightful ball in and Van Persie looks certain to convert from six yards, but inexplicably misses the ball. A minutes of normal time remaining.

22:45: Now Van Persie is denied by Navas from a tight angle and the ball is forced away before Kuyt can convert. Surely the goal is coming.

22:43: AGAINST THE POST! Netherlands almost get the winner as Wesley Sneijder bends a free-kick round the ball and with Navas beaten, the ball rattles against the post and from the follow up Vlaar can't convert. Costa Rica living dangerously.

22:37: Opportunity for Netherlands as they look to break the deadlock. Sneijder's free-kick from the left, after Gamboa attempts a crazily high challenge but Vlaar only heads of the bar. Lens replaces Depay.

22:29: Much better from Netherlands, who are toiling a little in front of their solid looking Costa Rica rearguard. Robben comes in from the left, goes to exchange passes with Van Persie, whose lay off is just shot and the ball is bundled behind. Three quarters of the way through this game and we await the opening game.

22:25: Free-kick for Costa Rica, 30 yards out right channel and Ruiz's ball in finds Gonzalez at the back post who under the attention of Vlaar, heads over.

22:21: Half chance for Costa Rica as Bolanos escapes down the left and crosses for Campbell, who is shoved over by Martins Indi. No penalty is awarded but a sign of the threat Costa Rica do possess, despite their infrequent spells in possession.

22:12: Arjen Robben taken out on the right hand-side and Netherlands have an early free-kick in this second half. The winger takes it short and finds Sneijder, who under pressure from Bryan Ruiz, curls harmlessly over.

22:05: Back under way in Salvador. No changes at half time.

21:50: A first half defied by a terrific display from Keylor Navas, who has kept Netherlands' attack at bay. Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay have had the best chances for the Dutch, who have dominated but not without the odd scare at the other end, with Bryan Ruiz's overhead the best chance for Costa Rica. Entertaining game, but needs a goal you feel.

Half time: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica

21:43: Keilor Navas forced into again, making a sprawling save to keep out Wesley Sneijder's free-kick after Robben was dragged back by Diaz Campbell when through on goal. Replays suggest, no dive from the Bayern man as Diaz picks up a yellow card.

21:38: Now Costa Rica produce their best opportunity of the half as a free-kick floated towards the back post and from the knock-down Ruiz produces an overhead kick from a tight angle which is hacked clear off the line.

21:34: Chances starting to flow for the Dutch and Depay is the latest to be denied, with Navas saving with his legs from a tight angle.

21:25: Best chance of the game and it goes to the three-time runners-up. A flowing move sees Kuyt's pull-back fed to Van Persie whose shot is stopped by Navas, before the Costa Rica stopper keeps out Sneijder.

21:20: The game is very end to end at the moment, but with little cohesiveness in attack. Costa Rica are being very economical in possession without making much progress in the final third, while Netherlands are moving the ball quickly but without much accuracy.

21:11: Arjen Robben has seen alot of the ball early on and has already wriggled away from a few Costa Rica challenges, winning a corner which the Bayern man hit flat and saw smashes away from danger. Plenty of possession for the Dutch early on.

21:07: Half an opportunity for Costa Rica early on, as Bolanos hits a quick free-kick in behind the Dutch back three, but Campbell can't latch onto it. Netherlands are most certainly starting with a genuine back three, with Coata Rica are more of a back five as they look to restrict their illustrious opponents.

21:00: Under way in Salvador. Big Dutch support in the house, as has been the theme in this tournament.

20:58: Teams are out in Salvador, where we've seen 24 goals in the five games played in this tournament. Five of those, came from Netherlands in their opening game of the World Cup after then champions Spain. More of the same Louis van Gaal will be hoping. Anthems are over and we're ready to go in this fourth and final quarter final.

20:45: The lead up to this game has been dominated by Arjen Robben, after his theatrics helped earn a penalty which defeated Mexico in the last 16. Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto says he is very worried by the Bayern Munich winger's behaviour, a nod to referee Ravshan Irmatov, who will be looking to sort the weak from the chaff tonight. Interestingly, not a single yellow card has been awarded for simulation in this tournament but clearly this poison of the game had not been irradicated.

20:38: Having had another look at that Dutch team, I think we can expect a conventional 5-3-2 from Van Gaal's team, with Kuyt at full-back, and Memphis Depay playing on the left of a front three. Sneijder and Wijnaldum will operate in the centre. Rest assured, Costa Ric are as originally advised below.

20:34: So how will both teams line up tonight? Netherlands have adopted a 5-3-2 formation for much of this tournament, but we must await how Louis van Gaal will set up his side. The team selected suggests we might see a more conventional 4-3-3, with Blind and Wijnaldum in the centre alonside Wesley Sneijder, while Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben will flank Robin van Persie.

Costa Rica have previously held players behind the ball and played on the counter-attack. Expect to see anohter version on the 4-3-3, with Campbell and Bolanos, supported by Bryan Ruiz, given license to run ragged. But in some ways, it's in anyones guess.

20:21: Though we saw flashes of excitement during the Brazil-Colombia quarter-final last night, this last eight tie has all the makings of a classic. Both teams have shown offensive prowess and defensive frailties in equal measure during this tournament and we should expect the pair to go at each other tonight for the right to face Argentina on Wednesday. After the entertainment which gripped us through the opening two weeks of the tournament, we're due a classic last eight tie.

20:17: Quick look at both teams ahead of this final quarter-final. Netherlands as we know are without Nigel de Jong so Daley Blind comes into midfield, with Bruno Martins Indi returning at the back. Memphis Depay starts at full-back, after finishing there against Mexico.

Despite a host a injury and suspensions, Costa Rica make just one change as Oscar Duarte, sent off in the penalty shoot-out win over Greece, with Johnny Acosta coming into the back.

20:07: Teams:

Netherlands: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Depay

Costa Rica: Navas, Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Bolanos, Campbell, Ruiz, Diaz, Gamboa, Tejeda

20:01: So after Germany, Brazil and Argentina slamlom their way through to the semi-final, it's left to Netherlands and Costa Rica to fight it out for the final last four spot. While Netherlands' performances have argubally been among the most consistent of any team in this tournament, Costa Rica have represents the surprise package of this World Cup after after seeing off Italy, Uruguay, England and Greece, will be keen on adding Louis van Gaal's Dutch to their list of scalps.

19:00: Well that brings our coverage of this third World Cup quarter-final to an end, but never fear, we have live coverage of the fourth and final tie, Netherlands against Costa Rica, on the way. We'll have team news and a full preview of the game from 8pm GMT, but until then grab a cuppa, have a lie down and prepare yourself for more drama. Hopefully.

18:57: Argentina reach their first World Cup semi-final for 24 years after Gonzalo Higuain's early goal helps beat Belgium. As expected, it was a poor game throughout with very few chances, but Higuain took his with aplomb to send his side into a semi-final meeting with either Netherlands or Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Belgium's golden generation are the latest side to disappoint in this tournament. England followers know how they feel.

Full time: Argentina 1-0 Belgium

18:54: Lionel Messi clean through on goal. You know the rest, Courtois denies him once again. Belgium pressing and when Lukaku's cross is cleared, Witzel lashes over. That must be it.

18:52: Five added minutes. Belgium really needed 50. Don't look like scoring at all.

18:50: Chance for Belgium. An overhit corner finds Chadli at the back-post, but his shot hits his own player and deflects into the hands of Romero. Now an Argentina player is down as they try to run down time. Looks like thw two-time winners are going to steel this.

18:44: Belgium running out of time and it's at this stage you try and remind yourself of how many times Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been forced into action this afternoon. Kevin de Bruyne almost does after a knock-down, but his shot is deflected wide.

18:37: Nacer Chadli on and Eden Hazard off for Belgium in the last throw of the dice for Marc Wilmots. Perhaps not a debate to have now, but has there been a worse performer from a big-name player in this tournament than the Chelsea man? I include the likes of Wayne Rooney and many of Spain's old guard in that. One for another day I think. Less than 12 minutes to go in Brasilia.

18:31: Lavezzi on and Rodrigo Palacio on for Argentina. Not a move built for holding what they have. Belgium look as lifeless as they have at any point during this tournament and could they be made to pay for their lack of firepower?

18:25: Ezequiel Garay almost turns the ball into his own net from a Kevin de Bruyne cross, but Romero makes the save at the near post. More encouragement for Belgium, but can they find that equaliser?

18:20: Jan Vertonghen has more joy down the left and he picks out Marouane Fellaini, but his header flies off. Immediately better from Belgium.

18:19: Origi and Mirallas off and Mertens and Lukaku on. No doubt the former pair have been poor today, but they aren't alterations possessing heaps of ambition. Very easy to forget that a goal will change this game totally.

18:15: Gonzalo Higuain should have Argentina celebrating a place in the last four. He goes right through the Belgium back four, nutmegging Vincent Kompany, but the ball strikes the bar on its way over. Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku being prepared.

18:12: Argentina begin the second half like they started the first and Higuain almost repeats the trick from the opening period, but his effort is deflected agonisingly wide of Courtois' goal. Now Lavezzi plays a teasing cross across the face of goal but the ball goes out of play.

18:05: Back under way in Brasilia. No additional changes, after Angel di Maria went off in the first half.

17:51: Argentina have one foot in the last four through Gonzalo Higuain's early goal giving them the edge over Belgium. It's been an entertaining-enough game, with half-chances aplenty while Lionel Messi has been never been far from the action. Marc Wilmots will know his side need to up their game and we might see Romelu Lukaku in the second half.

Half time: Argentina 1-0 Belgium

17:44: Belgium's ariel threat continues to be a factor and Vertonghen is again given space to cross and this time Mirallas gets on the end of it but only nods wide. Probably their best chance so far after 42 minutes.

17:42: Messi has played against the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois 10 times, and has scored one just three of those but here comes his best opportunity after he is brought down on the edge of the Belgium box. He steps up, and lashes the ball over. Harmless, in the end.

17:36: Change enforced through injury for Argentina, as Enzo Perez replaces Angel di Maria, who picked up a thigh strain in hitting that shot moments ago. Big blow for Sabella.

17:32: The two-time World Cup winner are ticking again and Messi finds Di Maria beautifully and the Real Madrid man cuts inside but his shot is blocked well by Vincent Kompany.

17:28: Argentina showing plenty of style but no doubt that Belgium are on top and they almost level. A nice passing move ends with De Bruyne shooting from 25 yards and Romero nervously pushes the ball back, nearly into the path of Origi.

17:20: Better from Belgium now, who are now finding their feet in this game. Jan Vertonghen beats Angel di Maria on the left and crosses, only for Garay to head the ball behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Vincent Kompany heads up and over.

17:17: First we've seen of Belgium in an attacking sense as Kevin de Bruyne marauds forwards, but he blazes his shot high and wide. Now a corner for the Red Devils but it is hoplessly overhit.

17:11: Just eight minutes gone and Argentina are away. Messi attempts to feed a ball through but it's deflected and comes through to Higuain, who shoots and turns in the same motion and slams the ball into the corner beyond a motionless Courtois.

Goal: Argentina 1-0 Belgium (Gonzalo Higuain)

17:06: What sort of game can we expect this afternoon then? Given how both teams limped through qualifying, not least Belgium's trend of having not scored a goal until the last 20 minutes and beyond, I doubt this will be a free-flowing attacking display for either side. Little to report from an attacking point of view so far.

17:00: Both teams are out in Brasilia and with the anthems done, and Fifa's obligatory anti-discrimination message read out, we're ready to go.

16:35: So now we know the teams, how will both teams line up this afternoon? Argentina have tended to load their attack and today is expected to be no different. Biglia and Mascherano with screen behind a front four of Lavezzi, Messi, Higiuain and Di Maria. For Belgium, they will line up in a more traditional 4-3-3, with Kevin de Bruyne central in behind Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas on either side of Divock Origi.

16:28: So how have both teams made it to today's quarter-final? Well both teams came through their respective groups with a 100% record, with three wins out of three. Argentina have ridden their luck ater edging past Bosnia and requiring a late Lionel Messi goal to beat Iran. Victory over Nigeria wasn't without hiccups either. In the last 16, Angel di Maria netted in the 120th minute to beat Switzerland.

Belgium has a similarly rocky route to the knock-out phase, leaving it late to beat Algeria, Russia and South Korea in the grpup phase, with Kevin de Bruyne staring throughout while striker Romelu Lukaku has endured problems. In an entertaining round of 16 tie with USA, De Bruyne and Lukaku scored in extra time to secure a 2-1 win. This might be a tasty game on paper, but the truth is both sides have limped to the last eight.

16:17: So changes for both sides ahead of this crunch quarter-final. Argentina drop Federico Fernández and Fernando Gago, while Marcos Rojo is suspended and brign in Martín Demichelis, José Basanta and Lucas Biglia from the start.

Belgium keep faith Divock Origi in attack ahead of Romelu Lukaku but there is one alteration on the right as Kevin Mirallas comes in for Dries Mertens.

16:11: Teams:

Argentina: Romero, Garay, Zabaleta, Biglia, Di Maria, Higuain, Messi, Mascherano, Demichelis, Lavezzi, Basanta

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini; Mirallas, De Bruyne, Hazard; Origi.

16:00: While a nation mourns the loss of their talisman, the World Cup roles on into the remaining quarter-final matches. With Neymar out of the tournament for Brazil, and top scorer James Rodriguez have been dumped out, this is Lionel Messi' chance to take a full grasp of this World Cup as his Argentina side face Belgium for a place in the last four. In the late game, Netherlands take on the tournament's surprise package Costa Rica, who will be hoping to add another high-profile scalp and reach their first ever World Cup semi-final.

Martín Demichelis and José Basanta and midfielder Lucas Biglia

World cup Argentina Netherlands