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Argentina 3 - 1 Mexico - FIFA World Cup Match Report

Matias Vulej, June 27 2010,
Carlos Tevez secured Argentina's ticket to the next round in the first half. With certain assistance from the referee, Diego Maradona triumphed once again and is ready to face Germany in quarter finals.

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Most of Argentineans might be experiencing certain deja vu in this competition, as 2006's World Cup had the Albiceleste facing Mexico in the round of 16, and upon a victory they were sent back home by Germany in their fifth game. But now things might be different, as Argentina's offensive capabilities (10 goals in 4 matches) are enough to frighten any rival. An excellent match for Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Will Messi be able to score his first goal in South Africa next Saturday?

Learning how to fly

During the first minutes Mexico was far superior than Argentina, who couldn't find a bridge between Messi and the rest of the squad. The Tricolor could have got the upper hand thanks to two shots against Sergio Romero's goal by Carlos Salcido and Andres Guardado: The first one shot the post and the latter went centimeters away from Argentina's goal.

 

But everything changed in the 25th minute: Messi got away from his personal mark and connected a beautiful cross for Carlos Tevez, but the ball went a little too long. Tevez run as fast as possible to recover the ball, which was caught by Mexico's goalkeeper. Conejo Perez could not secure the ball that went straight back to Lio Messi; he assisted Tevez (on clear off side) who scored with a header.

After this controversial goal the game was suspended for a few minutes, as the referee was put on the spotlight as it was latter confirmed thanks to the international broadcasting. The match completely changed its course after this, as Mexico's players morale went downhill while Argentina was made to believe a place within World's Best Eight was a close reality; and this could be clearly seen eight minutes later, on minute 33.

Ricardo Osorio gifted Gonzalo Higuain a ball right in front of Oscar Perez. Pipita beautifully eluded the goalkeeper and scored his fourth goal in this competition, claiming the top of the striking table in South Africa. 2-0 for Argentina who was about to break a dark omen: The Albiceleste was unable to obtain a victory after the group stage in 90 minutes since 1990, but the two-goals gap in the first half hour was pointing out for something new on a cold Sunday night.

You say you want revolution

The adverse situation did not cloud Mexico's judgment, for they managed to retain their level in spite of the Herculean task that the second half. The game got violent after Argentina's second goal, Mexico was waiting for Argentina to advance and managed to threat Romero several times with furious advances from the wings; Argentina's goalkeeper deflected every single goal and thus the first half ended 2-0 with 45

After the break the players went back to the fields and 10 minutes later Carlos Tevez executed a brilliant shot against Mexico's goal, impossible to stop. Second goal for Manchester City's top striker and once again Carlitos have shown why he deserves a place within Argentina's starting eleven.

After the first goal Argentina's players appeared rather satisfied and decided to slow their pace down. Guillermo Franco's presence in the last half an hour gave Mexico a sharper offensive, just when Argentina's defense was leaving more space in the last meters. Javier Hernandez received an exquisite assistance exactly 45 minutes later than Argentina's first goal. He won the space to the defender and shot Sergio Romero in close combat. 3-1 and 20 minutes for Mexico to change the course of the game.

Maradona introduced two defensive modifications to gain in ball control and possession. Juan Sebastian Veron took Carlos Tevez place and Jonas Gutierrez replaced Angel Di Maria. With more finesse in the midfield Messi found Higuain alone against Mexico's goalkeeper on minute 30, but a Mexican defender appeared from nowhere and sent the ball to the corner.

The last five minutes we could see sparks of Argentina's next generation of football. Maxi Rodriguez was not playing well, and Javier Pastore was given another opportunity: In only five minutes he made enough merits to gain a place within Argentina's starting eleven, shall Veron not recover the level of the first weeks.

Argentina is the second South American in quarter finals. Will they claim their third title, once again following Maradona's lead?  

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