CARLOS TEVEZ lit up the World Cup with a rasping rocket as Argentina eased into the quarter-finals.

Diego Maradona’s men got a helping hand to send them on their way, with Tevez netting the opener from an offside position. They were also given their second on a plate as Mexico defender Ricardo Osorio slipped up to play in Gonzalo Higuain. But Tevez’s second was something to savour as he rifled home a thunderbolt from outside the box.Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez pulled one back as Mexico went out fighting. They had put Argentina on the back foot in the opening exchanges with Lionel Messi taking some stick from the Mexican defenders. Left-back Carlos Salcido almost stunned Maradona’s men when he rocked the crossbar with a stunning 35-yard drive. And seconds later, Andres Guardado was just inches away from the opener as his effort curled wide of the left-hand post.

Messi then burst into life with a mazy run and shot which forced Mexico keeper Oscar Perez into a smart stop. The match was wide open with Hernandez racing clear, only to see his shot stopped by Sergio Romero. Then came the controversy as Tevez netted the opener. The Argie striker burst through on goal before Perez smothered at his feet. But the ball broke to Messi who chipped to Tevez – clearly in an offside position – to nod in.

As the replay was shown on the big screen in the ground, the Mexico players surrounded the linesman and referee Roberto Rosetti. However, the Italian official stood his ground and insisted goal should stand – despite all the stadium knowing it was offside. But there was no doubt about Argentina’s second after a horrific mistake from Osorio. He hesitated on the ball and gifted possession to Higuain who finished easily past the hapless Perez.

Salcido tried his luck from long range again but Romero was equal to it in the Argentina goal. Higuain went close with a free header that he nodded wide when really he should have found the back of the net. But the match was over as a contest when Tevez scored seven minutes into the second half. And what a strike it was. The Manchester City hitman turned with the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed an unstoppable drive.

Mexico’s 5ft 9in keeper Perez was left with no chance – although a 6ft 9in keeper would have struggled to get close. Despite the three-goal defecit, the Mexicans continued to press forward with Hernandez heading narrowly over. And their endevour was rewarded when Hernandez did finally get on the scoresheet with a fine finish from inside the box. However, it was little more than a consolation as the Argies held on to set up a last-eight clash with Germany.

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