Argentina defeated Mexico by 3-1 in the Soccer City stadium of Johannesburg, and will face Germany on Saturday for the World Cup 2010 quarter-finals. Mexico is rightfully complaining about Argentina’s first goal in 26′ by Carlos Tévez, that should have been cancelled as an off-side.
The superb defensive and offensive game of Mexico took Diego Maradona and his players under surprise, and Argentina was almost cornered with the back against the wall. Except a dangerous play by Lionel Messi in the 8th minute of the game, the beginning of the match belonged to Mexico: Carlos Salcido’s powerful shot was stopped only by the post, and Andrés Guardado barely missed the target a few minutes later losing a fantastic chance to open the score for Mexico.
Gonzalo Higuaín and Messi were desperately trying to give answers, that finally came for the match referee that sentenced Mexico with a terrible call. In the 26th minute of the game and after a pass from Messi, Tévez that was clearly off-side scored the first goal for Argentina with a close header. Mexico fiercely contested the goal, as well as an offensive foul on goalkeeper Óscar Pérez during the play. And with Mexico psychology at zero Argentina of course took the advantage to score a second one with Higuaín six minutes later.
During the second half and more precisely at 52′ Carlos Tévez celebrated his second goal, and Argentina sealed the victory that leads to the World Cup 2010 quarter-finals. Argentina slowed down for the remainder of the game, and Mexico scored the goal of honour with Javier Hernández in 71′.
