Diego Maradona's Argentina scored a 3-1 win over Mexico in Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium, under floodlights, on Sunday 27 June 2010 to secure a place in this year's FIFA World Cup quarter finals. It was an emotional encounter between the two Spanish-speaking teams. In spite of controversy, Argentina were the obvious winner.
Argentina Allowed a Controversial Goal
Carlos Tevez's first-half strike was awarded in controversial circumstances as replays showed that he was off-side when Lionel Messi gave him the final pass. The Manchester City player's shot was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez but Messi followed up and chipped Perez for Tevez to score. The Mexican defence complained bitterly that Tevez was off-side but the 26th minute goal was allowed to despite the outcry caused by a replay of the incident on the stadium' s giant TV screens.
Messi was in good form, showing team spirit in the match but a goal from him remained elusive.
his playing style and ability have been compared to Diego Maradona who has also declared Messi his soccer successor. The Spanish media has labelled him 'Messidona'. The Barcelona star had taken a bet with the coach saying he would score against the Mexicans but the goal drought has not yet been broken.
Officials Break up Pitch-side Melee
After 33 minutes, Mexican defender Ricardo Osario's pass went straight to Gonzalo Higuain who shot past Perez to make it 2-0 at the break. Referee Roberto Rosetti and other officials had to step in to break up a pitch-side melee between the two sides as they walked off for half-time with tempers flared over the first goal.
Tevez's second goal came form a breath-taking strike at 52 minutes. The ball shot into the net's top right hand corner, giving Perez no chance. Juan Veron replaced Tevez in the 69th minute. At about the same time team mate Martin Demichelis cleared off the line before Mexican forward Javier Hernandez scored a consolation goal in the 71st minute.
Will Argentina Take the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
Maradona has had a few troubles and was not favoured to coach the Argentinian team because of lack of training experience. This victory has surely further helped transform him from the subject of ridicule into a hero. Argentina seem on course for their third World Cup title after 1978 and 1986. The will play Germany in the quarter finals on Saturday 3 July 2010, at Cape Town. How will they fare against a team that has been ruthlessly eliminating their opponents?
Melody Mundawarara - Melody Mundawarara has always enjoyed creative pursuits. Her interests range from Art to Zoology. She is a keen researcher who is excited ...
