Argentina 1-0 Mexico (2006)
The place was the Zentralstadion, Leipzig. The date was the June 24, 2006.
By Conor Hogan
Argentina blazed their way through the first round in 2006, topping their group and smashing six past a much fancied Serbia team. Mexico’s only win in their group was against Iran. Their final two matches were a turgid 0-0 against Angola and a 2-1 loss versus Portugal.
Many expected the final 16 game between the two sides to be a foregone conclusion. Mexico obviously didn’t read the script as they took a shock fifth minute lead, when Rafael Marquez got on the end of Monterrey player Mario Mendez’ free-kick.
Argentina’s players kept their heads and pressed for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 10 minute when Juan Riquelme’s corner was turned into his own net by Jared Borgetti (strangely FIFA later officially awarded the goal to Hernan Crespo though he clearly made no touch).
Both teams had several chances, but couldn’t find their way past two on-form keepers, Roberto Abbondanzieri and Oswaldo Sanchez. Despite 15 shots on target between the teams, and Argentina’s introduction of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, the game finished 1-1.
The first few minutes of extra time were a cagey affair. It took a moment of sublime brilliance to settle the match. In the 98 minute, Juan Sorin’s long pass to Maxi Rodriguez was chested down by the Atletico Madrid man, who volleyed exquisitely with his left foot and into the top corner past a desperate Sanchez.
It was a goal worthy of any match, and even though there was another 22 minutes left, you knew Argentina weren’t going to lose.
