Leipzig, June 25 :

Argentina has produced one of the most spectacular goals of the World Cup. The team has also racked up the most lopsided win — 6-0 over Serbia-Montenegro. Now it really gets interesting. Next comes Germany in the quarters on Friday. “It’s going to be a long-awaited game, because these are two of the great countries in World Cup history,” Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said after 2-1 extra-time win over Mexico.

The narrow victory against its Latin rivals was so close that even Diego Maradona sat uncomfortably through much of the game, nervously rocking back and forth with his hands on his knees. But stationed in the corner of the penalty area in the 98th minute, Maxi Rodriguez decided a dead-even game with a split second of inspiration. Settling a 30-yard cross-field pass on his chest from captain Juan Pablo Sorin, Rodriguez let it drop and, just before it hit the ground, struck it squarely with his left foot and sent it over stunned Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez.

“I had not decided to shoot it, but the ball fell right in front of me,” Rodriguez said. “It’s one of those shots that can go into the stands or in the goal. Truly, it’s incredible, a beautiful goal,” he added. Often overshadowed by Argentina’s host of talented strikers, the Atletico Madrid midfielder upstaged striker Lionel Messi and playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, who each celebrated birthdays on Saturday. Barcelona star Messi turned 19 and Riquelme, who plays for Villarreal, was 28.

Rafael Marquez put Mexico ahead after six minutes.

Pavel Pardo sent in a free kick from the right side, which Mario Mendez headed across the goalmouth to a sliding Marquez. Argentina equalised four minutes later. Riquelme curled in a corner from the right side, which Jared Borgetti appeared to head into his own goal as he lunged to beat Crespo to the ball.

Crespo awarded Argentinian goal

BERLIN: Argentina’s equaliser against Mexico in the round of 16 match has been attributed to Hernan Crespo, FIFA said on Sunday. Crespo was in a tussle with Mexican player Jared Borgetti to reach the ball as it came over from a corner in the 10th minute of the match in Leipzig. “The footage was analysed by Andy Roxburgh and it has been decided that the goal will be attributed to Crespo,” FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said. — AFP