Sabella working his magic at World Cup

Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella takes part in a training session at 'Cidade do Galo', their base camp in Vespasiano, near Belo Horizonte on July 6, 2014 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP
Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella takes part in a training session at 'Cidade do Galo', their base camp in Vespasiano, near Belo Horizonte on July 6, 2014 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP

When Alejandro Sabella was handed the task of reviving Argentina's fortunes after a poor campaign at the 2011 Copa America, not everyone was convinced he was the right man.

"I don't know why they chose him," said the country's 1978 World Cup-winning coach Cesar Menotti. "I don't know what his project is."

Three years later Sabella's appointment is looking brilliant as they prepare for their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.

Under Sabella -- nicknamed El Mago ("the magician") during his playing days -- Argentina have developed into a formidable side that is tailored around Lionel Messi.

Messi for the first time is consistently producing his sparkling Barcelona form in Argentina's colours with four goals so far.