If at first you don't succeed, try, try again - advice both Argentina and Belgium heeded as they belatedly booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with extra-time victories.
Belgium's tie with the USA would surely have been settled inside 90 minutes but for an inspirational performance from American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made 15 saves - a tournament record.
Argentina's frustration was more of their own making as they laboured to victory against Switzerland. All four of their wins in Brazil have been by a single-goal margin, and once again they were indebted to a piece of Lionel Messi magic.
Although the Argentine captain could not get on the score sheet for a fourth successive game, it was his incisive break and inch-perfect pass which allowed Angel Di Maria to net the winner.
Messi will win his 91st cap against Belgium, equalling the total number of appearances made by Diego Maradona, and this match invites obvious comparisons between the two men.
One of Maradona's finest moments for La Albiceleste came against Belgium in the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup, when he scored a brilliant solo goal.
Belgium were also the opposition when he was captured in an iconic photo at the 1982 World Cup, (external) closely shadowed by no fewer than six opposition players.
The current Belgium squad recognise similar tactics may be required to stop Messi, according to Jan Vertonghen.

"We have to stand together as team. If Messi gets past one of us, then there must a second and third player ready to stop him," says the Tottenham defender.
Yet it is unlikely to be all one-way traffic in Brasilia, with Belgium boasting plenty of attacking talent capable of unsettling the Argentine backline.
Midfielder Axel Witsel feels taking on more attack-minded opponents could suit his team.
"I expect Argentina to look to dictate the play," he said. "Hopefully that gives us room to infiltrate and our players can profit from the gaps they offer. "