Argentina defeated Mexico on Sunday as expected to book a quarter final match against Germany who had earlier sent England packing. Mexico did their best to stop Argentina but the combination of Messi and Tevez proved to be too strong in the end.

Tevez who had come into this tournament out of form, has gotten better with every match. He scored twice for Argentina. Tevez, first scored in the 25th minute, although replays showed that he was clearly offside but the linesman did not call him and the goal was allowed. Tevez’s second goal was brilliant as he thundered in a powerful shot from outside the box.

Ricardo Osorio, Mexico’s right back made a blunder which Gonzalo Higuain pounced on to score. With this goal, Higuain now has 4 goals in this world cup and is up there with the tournaments leading scorers.

Messi was still unable to open his account at the world cup. Kaka, Rooney and Messi were expected to be the stars of this tournament but none of them have been able to score so far. Coach Diego Maradona told reporters “Lionel Messi gets kicked around and the referee does not act. Whenever Messi has the ball everyone is trying to kick his legs, what is being done to Messi is a scandal - they don't even look for the ball they try to kick him."

Maradona’s comments are justified as Messi was fouled 5 times in this game and has a total of 15 fouls against him in just 4 games. Mexico was able to get a consolation goal in the 70th minute through Javier Hernandez. In the end a poor defense was the main reason why Mexico lost.

Argentina will now take on Germany on Saturday for their quarter final match. This will no doubt be a tough game for both teams. Maradona told reporters after the match “I want to congratulate my players because they are doing great things. They are using the ball well. We did not come here for a vacation, but to win the World Cup. We want to make every Argentinean proud. I would like to put on my jersey and play. But this is not the 1986 World Cup final”

If Argentina is to win, two things need to happen for them. Gabriel Heinze and Veron need to cut off every opportunity and prevent Klose and Podolski from scoring and Lionel Messi has to open his account against the Germans.