Argentina line-up: Romero, Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze, Di Maria (Gutierrez, 79'), Higuain, Messi, Tevez (Veron, 69'), Mascherano (c), Otamendi, Rodriguez (Pastore, 87')
Mexico line-up: Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez (c), Osorio, Torrado, Hernandez, Juarez, Dos Santos, Guardado (Franco, 61'), Bautista (Barrera, HT)
Argentina, in the end, cruise past Mexico but it could well have a been a different story if the linesman hadn't have made a crucial mistake, the second of the day for people to start calling for goal-line technology. However Mexico did start the game on top and could have 1-0 ahead very early but Salcido's ambitious shot hit the crossbar as it had Romero well beaten. Guardado also had a glorious opportunity for Mexico but his shot just fizzed wide of the post denying Mexico the lead. Messi played a vital role in Argentina's win despite still not scoring in this tournament, his desperation for a goal showed when he tried a delightful chip after another jazzy run but Perez found it easy enough to save. Argentina's opener came after the chance looked to have gone; Tevez had over-ran the ball into the arms of the sprawling Perez who ended up spilling the ball to the feet of Messi, who played another little chip towards the goal where Tevez was on hand to head home. However replays showed that Tevez was clearly offside and Mexico had a great appeal towards the officials. To make matters worse for the Italian officials replays were shown on the big screen inside the ground where they could see for themselves they had made a mistake but not being allowed to use the replay evidence the goal had to stand and Argentina had their controversial opener. From there it was Argentina in full control as Mexico's defence looked shell shocked. Osorio completely lost his head when he played a nice little pass straight into the feet of Higuain on the edge of the box, Higuain accepted the gift by rounding Perez and slotting into the empty net to double Argentina's lead. From here it seemed inconceivable for Mexico to find a way back in this match and Higuain should have put it beyond all doubt before half-time but his header was off target with the goal gaping for him.
However just six minutes into the second half Tevez got his second and Argentina's third to put the result beyond all doubt. If his first was controversial his second was brilliant, he got a bit of luck when a pass from Tevez as blocked and pushed into the space Tevez was approaching before lashing a shot 25 yards from goal into the top corner for a breathtaking finish by the Manchester City man. Although the game seemed up Mexico didn't think so and kept attacking with venom and desire. Their hard work paid off with 19 minutes left on the clock thanks to a piece of ingenuity from Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez; he turned Demichelis with considerable ease before skilfully placing the ball onto his left foot to smash it home from seven yards. Something exciting to look forward to for Manchester United fans like me! However it was only a consolation as Mexico bowed out yet again to Argentina who will face Germany in the same round as they did four years ago.
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