Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 to face Germany

Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 to face Germany

Argentina's Carlos Tevez celebrates his score during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

JOHANNESBURG, June 27 -- Argentina set up a World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Germany on Sunday after defeating Mexico 3-1 in an entertaining second round clash at Soccer City Stadium.

Carlos Tevez scored twice - once clearly offside while Gonzalo Higuain capitalized on a defensive error to top the tournament goalscorers with four in four matches.

Mexico forward Javier Hernandez earned his side a consolation goal when he smashed a shot past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the 71st minute.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said two mistakes cost his side the game.

"In the first few minutes we were superior. But then we conceded a goal which was offside and then there was an error in the defence. Two mistakes made a dramatic difference," said Aguirre.

Argentina went ahead on 26 minutes when Tevez headed into an empty net from close range after Lionel Messi had latched onto a loose ball toward goal. TV Replays showed Tevez to be offside, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the goal to stand despite protests from the Mexicans.

Higuain then capitalized on a blunder by Mexico defender Ricardo Osorio who passed the ball straight to Higuain just outside the penalty box. The Argentinean striker calmly rounded goalkeeper Oscar Perez before slotting into an empty net in the 33rd.

Tevez arguably scored the goal of the tournament so far on 52 minutes by smashing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner just outside the penalty area.

Argentina's Angel Di Maria (R) vies with Mexico's Efrain Juarez during the 1/8 final match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain (L) controls the ball during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

Argentina's Javier Pastore (Top) breaks through during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's players celebrate winning the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona (R) celebrates after winning the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's Martin Demichelis (R) vies with Mexico's Guillermo Franco during the 1/8 final match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.