Argentina Scrape Past Mexico, Take on Germany
June 25, 2006
Argentina looked rattled for the first time in the tournament as Mexico's outstanding captain Rafael Marquez gave the Mexicans an early lead only to be negated four minutes later by Jared Borgetti's own goal.
However, having ridden out several nervy moments during the match Rodriguez's wonder goal sealed their place in the last eight and nearer to ending a 20-year drought without the title.
"That was incredible," said Rodriguez. "It was a really tough game, with Mexico making it very difficult for us but we came through in the end," said Rodriguez, who raced ecstatically to his bench to be embraced. "Now we are confident we can go further and beat anyone."
Argentine coach Jose Pekerman said his side had taken their chance when it belatedly came.
"It's vital to take the chance when it arrives in as well-balanced a meeting as that between two rivals who know each other so well. And we did -- deservedly so," Pekerman said.
"A magnificent game"
Mexico captain Marquez ended this World Cup as he had the last going out in the second round even if personally it was a happier ending than his red card against the United States in 2002.
However the Barcelona defender was not too happy with the referee Massimo Busacca of Switzerland.
"Various refereeing decisions went against us - but in the end the team that scores more goals wins. We gave our all and it's sad," said the 27-year-old.
"It was an even game, just as I expected it to be, and it was a
magnificent individual goal that decided it," said Mexico coach Lavolpe, himself a member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning squad.
"Having said that, Mexico gave an excellent account of themselves. Once again though, we didn't achieve what we came to do, which was to reach the quarter-finals at least."
Mexico have twice been quarter-finalists, but on both occasions,
in 1970 and 1986, it was on home ground.
They certainly had not shown any form in the group stages, scraping through with the 3-1 win over Iran, an unconvincing 0-0 draw with Angola and a 2-1 loss to group winners Portugal.
Germany will prove a tough obstacle for the Argentines as they looked an outstanding unit in the first-half demolishing a previously highly-regarded Swedish defensive unit.