LEIPZIG, Germany (AP) - It took a blast of brilliance by Maxi Rodriguez to separate Argentina from Mexico in a World Cup classic Saturday night.
Argentina moved into the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory on Rodriguez's goal in the 98th minute of the first extra-time game in the tournament. Rodriguez chested a long, arcing pass from captain Juan Sorin at the right corner of the penalty area and, in almost the same motion, wheeled and volleyed a soaring left-footed shot to the far portion of the net over flailing goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez.
The Argentines weren't too exhausted to celebrate, mobbing Rodriguez after his third goal of the tournament _ and biggest of his life. Still, Argentina had to stave off Mexico for another 22 minutes _ there is no sudden death in this World Cup.
Next up for Argentina is a match with Germany in Berlin on Friday night. Argentina and Germany met in the 1986 and 1990 finals, splitting titles.
Two-time champion Argentina lost in the 1998 quarterfinals and was knocked out in the first round four years ago. This time, Argentina topped its group before barely getting past a Mexican team that struggled to finish second in its opening-round group, then found its rhythm against the heavy favorite.
Until Rodriguez's stunning shot, it was an almost dead-even game of attrition. Both teams scored early, with Rafael Marquez putting Mexico ahead in the sixth minute and Hernan Crespo equalizing in the 10th. Then they nearly wore each other out.
Mexico made the second round for the fourth straight time, but has lost each time.
Marquez's goal put Argentina behind for the first time in the tournament. Pavel Pardo sent in a free kick from the right side, which Mario Mendez headed across the goalmouth to a sliding Marquez. He knocked the ball over diving keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.
Argentina tied it four minutes later. Juan Roman Riquelme curled in a corner from the right side, which Jared Borgetti appeared to head into his own goal as he lunged to beat Crespo to the ball. However, the goal was awarded to Crespo.