The Argentine team advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Kazakhstan 6-1, with all goals coming in the second half. They will face France on Thursday in Tashkent.
It took Argentina 21 minutes and 59 seconds to break the deadlock, when a shot by Pablo Taborda deflected off Mati Rosa, leaving goalkeeper Higuita helpless. This goal shifted Kazakhstan’s strategy, making them more vulnerable to Argentina’s attacks. Ángel Claudino doubled the lead, and shortly after, Kevin Arrieta made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after a handball by ‘German’ Knaub.
Kazakhstan, opting for a fly goalkeeper, had to forgo the usual advantages Higuita provides and conceded another goal, this time by Sebastián Corso. Tursagulov netted a consolation goal for Kazakhstan before being sent off for handling a second penalty, which Arrieta converted again to seal the game. Prior to that, Lucas Bolo had made it 5-1.
