Argentina to meet Germany
June 27, 2010
Argentina had the best of the early possession, but Mexico also made some attacking inroads.
There was an early chance for Lionel Messi, after he was cued up by Carlos Tevez, while Mexico also looked good with a long-range effort from defender Carlos Salcido and a ball put wide by midfielder Andres Guardado.
While Argentina could maintain possession, they could not capitalize on it initially. Star player Lionel Messi had space but was quickly closed down.
The first goal for Argentina came in the 25th minute, as striker Carlos Tevez headed in a ball from Messi. The goal stood although it was offside as seen in television replays. Both the Mexican and Argentine sides crowded around the referee who appeared to waver for a minute as he consulted his assistant. But in the end, the goal counted.
Argentina's attacks continued and a defensive mistake allowed striker Gonzalo Higuain to score by rounding keeper Oscar Perez on 33 minutes.
The score remained 2-0 when the sides left the pitch at half time.
Thunderous strike
Soon after the sides returned, on 52 minutes, it was Tevez again who scored with a thunderous strike into the back of the net, despite a strong period for Mexico. Tevez had attempted a pass, which was blocked, but was able once again to connect with the ball.
Mexico put on another striker, with Guillermo Franco replacing Andres Guardado.
They piled on the pressure and it paid off when Hernandez scored on 71 minutes, soon after Argentine playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron had replaced goalscorer Tevez.
Messi failed to fully produce and Mexico did not give up, with Salcido taking several shots from distance. The Mexicans were unable to make a breakthrough and the game finished 3-1.
Before the game, Argentina had an almost full-strength line-up. Maxi Rodriguez, who scored the winner between the sides at the last World Cup was chosen by Argentina coach Diego Maradona in midfield in place of Veron. Nicolas Burdisso replaced injured center back Walter Samuel.
Argentina will now play Germany in the quarter finals after Joachim Loew's men beat England 4-1 earlier on Sunday.
Richard Connor (AFP/Reuters)
Editor: Sonia Phalnikar