ARGENTINA / MEXICO: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Argentina defeat Mexico in Copa America semi-final

Lionel Messi's breathtaking goal on Wednesday (July 11) to help Argentina beat Mexico 3-0 and see his country make it into the Copa America final, was a sight to be seen. Pubs and bars across Argentina erupted with delight. But that wasn't even their first. As Argentines across the country watched on, defender Gabriel Heinze put Argentina ahead on the stroke of halftime with his second international goal. Then came in Messi's strike. Collecting a pass from Carlos Tevez, Messi spotted goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez off his line and chipped the ball into the net to score Argentina's second as they set up a final against old rivals Brazil. The 61st-minute goal, which came as Mexico were pressing for an equaliser, turned the game. Juan Riquelme Roman later added a third from a controversial penalty - his fifth goal of the tournament and keeping the Argentines up to an average of over three goals per game. Argentine fans cheering them on at home couldn't get enough of it. A few unfortunate Mexicans however had to be content with another beer. But nothing could dampen the mood of the winners - all stunned especially by Messi's goal. "Really, it was spectacular match. Everyone played really well and with a giant in from Messi," one fan, Marcos Iglesias said. "I think the Argentine match was a party. A party for all Argentines. And the goal from Messi was spectacular," another fan Juan Cristobal said. As for Sunday's final against long-time rival Brazil, the Argentines are expecting to bring home the cup. "Sunday's final with Brazil? At least three to one," one fan, Santiago Montiel said. In Mexico it was a completely different story. After conquering Paraguay 6-0 the Mexican fans were expected a good match. Their team lead off with lively start nearly went ahead in the 18th minute when Andres Guardado, free on the left, cut inside his marker and hit the outside of the post. Mexico were again unlucky in the 55th minute when Fernando Arce split the Argentina defence and found Nery Castillo, whose shot hit the crossbar. Argentina struck the killer blow six minutes later when Heinze opened up Mexico's defence with a crossfield pass to Tevez, who laid it off to Messi who scored his gem. The pain on the faces on the Mexican fans was obvious. Mexico, with coach Hugo Sanchez celebrating his 49th birthday, made a fight of it and twice hit the woodwork in an enthralling game. But one team had to go home disappointed. "It is the same as always. We played like never before, but we lose like always. It is always the same. And I hate always losing to Argentina," said one Mexican fan Antonio Mendez. Argentina and Brazil face each other in Venezuela for the final on Sunday night.

ITN Source | July 13, 2007

Tags:. .tournament. .stunned. .rivals. .carlos. .defeat