Sabella working his magic at World Cup

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.