We found out the other semi-final fixture last night as Argentina saw off Belgium thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain goal, before Holland defeated plucky Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw. Angel di Maria started for Argentina but was taken off just after the half hour mark with a thigh problem that looks likely to keep him out of the tournament.
Looking at Real Madrid news, the story dominating the headlines is that of Alfredo di Stefano. The 88-year-old suffered cardic arrest yesterday afternoon and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition according to doctors.
Fans have been using social media to wish him and his family well, via the Twitter hashtag #FuerzaDonAlfredo, while players and club officials have sent their messages of support. Florentino Perez visited di Stefano in hospital, and said in a brief statement to journalists outside that “the whole of the Real Madrid family wishes di Stefano a speedy recovery”.
Ex-Los Blancos forward Higuain sent a message of support and said di Stefano was always close to him at Real Madrid from the moment his signed at the age of 18.
In other news, manager Carlo Ancelotti is getting married in Canada this weekend. He will tie the knot with Mariann Auger, who is from Canada, before having a few days break in Italy ahead of pre-season training which starts on July 14.
