JOHANNESBURG: Argentina booked a World Cup quarter-final with Germany on Sunday after seeing off Mexico 3-1 in the last 16, Carlos Tevez netting a brace and Gonzalo Higuain also on target prior to Javier Hernandez`s consolation.

After Mexico had made a bright start, Manchester City`s Tevez controversially scored with a close-range header on 26 minutes despite being in an offside position after Lionel Messi chipped over Mexico keeper Oscar Perez.

But despite vociferous Mexican protests Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the 26th-minute goal to stand.

Higuain then netted his fourth goal of the tournament for Diego Maradona`s side on 33 minutes after Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio`s pass went straight to the striker, who slotted home.

A Tevez howitzer seven minutes after the restart finished the contest before Hernandez - soon to be of Manchester United - turned neatly in the box to pull one back in the 71st minute.

Argentina`s win saw the 1978 and 1986 champions dump out the Mexicans in the second round for the second World Cup in a row.

Now Maradona`s men will meet a Germany side who thrashed England 4-1 in what will be a repeat of both the 1986 final and the 1990 final, a Maradona-inspired Argentina winning on the first occasion but losing the second

BDST: 1142hrs, June 28, 2010
CG