Tevez brace fires Argentina
ARGENTINA (3) vs MEXICO (1)
CARLOS TEVEZ followed up a moment of controversy with a moment of magic as he helped Argentina earn a World Cup quarter-final with Germany.
The Manchester City striker infuriated Mexico after heading Diego Maradona’s side in front despite being two yards offside.
The Mexicans surrounded referee Roberto Rossetti after a replay of the goal was shown on the Soccer City stadium big screen, and also prompted a touchline melee as the referee attempted to leave the field at the break.
Up until then, the Mexicans were the better side with Carlos Salcido crashing a long-range effort against the crossbar and Andres Guardado shooting narrowly wide.
But buoyed by their fortunate opener, Maradona’s men found their feet and eight minutes later they were 2-0 up when Gonzalo Higuain latching onto Ricardo Osorio’s error for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Indeed, seven minutes into the re-start, the tie was as good as over when Tevez let fly with a sensational 25-yard strike into the top corner.
Mexico, however, never gave up and deservedly pulled a goal back through a fine finish from new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez.
But not even he could prevent the Mexicans exiting the last-16 stage of the competition for the fifth World Cup in succession.