Photos: Mexico delight for duo

Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez helped Argentina reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday night.

Skipper Mascherano played for the full 90 minutes and Maxi enjoyed an 86 minute run-out before cramp forced him off the field.

Both Reds stars were impressive and Diego Maradona's side now face Germany in Cape Town next Saturday afternoon.

Mexico were very much the underdog but they came so close to an opener after eight minutes when Carlos Salcido struck the bar with a fantastic effort, then seconds later Andres Guardado, fired a rasping shot that swerved a couple of feet wide.

However, with Mascherano leading by example with his energy and drive, Argentina began to find their feet.

Maradona's side took the lead after 25 minutes through Carlos Tevez although it was a highly controversial moment to say the least as the Manchester City striker was offside.

Lionel Messi's through ball saw Tevez blocked by the 'keeper, but Messi was quickest to react as he lobbed the ball onto the head of Tevez who found the net.

The Mexican players then surrounded the officials and the replay was even shown on the big screen in the stadium, but despite the protests the goal was given.

A complete gift by the Mexican defence then saw Maradona's men go 2-0 up after 32 minutes when Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain found the net.

Mexico derfender Ricardo Osorio didn't look as he played a ball straight to Higuain who rounded Oscar Perez before scoring.

Tevez made it 3-0 after 51 minutes with one of the best goals of the tournament so far. He struck an awesome shot from 25-yards out into the top corner of the net that Perez didn't even get near.

With 20 minutes to go Mexico pulled a goal back their efforts deserved when Manchester United bound Javier Hernandez struck with a brilliant strike.

Mexico continued to press forward and had one or two half chances, but Mascherano and co march on and who would bet against them going all the way?

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