Watch World Cup Highlights of Argentina v Mexico on 27.06.2010

Argentina cruised into the Quarter Finals of the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Mexico in Soccer City but were aided by a controversial decision to award their first goal.

Both sides had started at pace and both had chances to score the opener, Mexico coming closest with a crashing Salcido effort from fully 35 yards smashing against the Argentine crossbar.

However the opener came under controversial circumstances which opened a whole new can of worms in the “video replay” debate so hotly contested following England’s “goal” against Germany earlier in the afternoon.

Carlos Tevez’s effort was blocked and fell to Messi who chipped the ball towards goal with Tevez in an offside position. The Manchester City striker then connected last to ensure the opener however Mexico were complaining about offside which would be confirmed when a replay was inadvertently showed on the stadium screens. Despite the decision clearly showing as incorrect, the officials were powerless to intervene and further strengthened the calls for video replays.

However despite the disappointment and sense of injustice, Mexico pressed however conceded again as Argentina showed their attacking flair.

A poor pass across the box by Osorio fell cheaply and kindly to Higuain who took the ball around the keeper to slot into an empty net.

Half time saw scuffles between the Mexican and Argentinian camps which threatened to escalate.

However Argentina would soon find their third and consign Mexico to a plane home from South Africa with a Tevez strike that they couldn’t possibly have any problem with.

Tevez picked up the ball and strongly challenged by Mexico defenders was forced to check his run, however his next move was brilliant. Dragging the ball to his right, the Man City man unleashed an unstoppable Exocet into the top corner as Maradonna’s men were cruising.

There was time for Mexico to get themselves back into the game with a wonderful strike from Hernandez.

The Manchester United-bound striker received the ball with his back to goal but with quick feet escaped the Argentine defence and unleashed an effort into the roof of the net, however the goal was not enough to see a Mexican fight back and Argentina progress to meet Germany in an exact replica of the 2006 World Cup.

Attendance: 84,377
Referee: R Rosetti (Italy)

Jon Osterland