Argentina will meet Germany in the quarterfinals after beating Mexico 2-1 in one of the most exciting matches of the World Cup so far.


The game got off to a feisty start when Barca´s Rafael Márquez put Mexico 1-0 up after only 6 minutes but Argentina responded well by equalizing through Hernan Crespo in the 10th minute. A spectacular volley by Maxi in extra time sealed Argentina´s 2-1 victory.


Barca players Saviola and Leo Messi, who celebrated his 19th birthday in style on Saturday, helped Argentina to proceed to the quaterfinals where they will meet the hosts Germany. It was a pulsating match in which Mexico showed tremendous tenacity and courage and the luckier team on this evening proceeded to the next round.


After Henrik Larsson, now Rafael Márquez is the second Barca player who has to say "goodbye" to the World Cup in Germany.


Argentina (4-4-2): Abbondanzieri - Scaloni, Ayala, Heinze, Sorin - Mascherano - Cambiasso (Aimar 75´), Maxi Rodriguez, Riquelme - Saviola (Messi 84´), Crespo (Tevez 75´) - Manager: Pekerman


Mexico (3-5-2): O. Sanchez - R. Marquez, Osorio, Salcido - M. Mendez, Pardo (Torrado 38´), Guardado (Pineda 67´), Castro, Morales (Zinha 74´) - Fonseca, Borgetti - Manager: La Volpe