A superb goal by Argentinian midfielder Maxi Rodriguez set up a mouth-watering quarter-final with hosts Germany on Saturday as the two-time champions downed a gallant Mexico 2-1 after extra-time.

The Argentines will get the chance to avenge their 1990 World Cup final defeat by the then West Germany, having bested the Germans in the 1986 edition.

The Germans had earlier breezed past a desperately disappointing Sweden, Lukas Podolski one of their two Polish born first choice strikers scoring twice early on as they ran out 2-0 winners.

Sweden's nightmare was completed with Teddy Lucic being sent-off in the first-half for two bookable offences, the second a puerile tug of the shirt, though Podolski hardly covered himself in glory as he patted the referee's back several times in appreciation.

To cap a miserable afternoon their veteran striker Henrik Larsson, normally so reliable, blasted a second-half penalty high over the bar and with it went any hopes the Scandinavians had of getting back into the match.

Talking about Poles or at least phonetically speaking, the saga over referee Graham Poll rumbled on as the debate went on whether the usually excellent English official would be sent home after issuing three yellow cards to Croat Josip Simunic in the match with Australia.

Andreas Werz, a spokesman for the referees' committee, said Poll's mistake may rule him out.

"Under normal circumstances, he would not take charge of any other matches at this World Cup," Werz said, explaining that the criteria would appear to count against the experienced English official.

"The performances so far in the World Cup are the first factor," he said.

Argentina looked rattled for the first time in the tournament as Mexico's outstanding captain Rafael Marquez gave the Mexicans an early lead only to be negated four minutes later by Jared Borgetti's own goal.

However, having ridden out several nervy moments during the match Rodriguez's wonder goal sealed their place in the last eight and nearer to ending a 20-year drought without the title.

"That was incredible," said Rodriguez. "It was a really tough game, with Mexico making it very difficult for us but we came through in the end," said Rodriguez, who raced ecstatically to his bench to be engulfed.

"Now we are confident we can go further and beat anyone."

Argentine coach Jose Pekerman said his side had taken their chance when it belatedly came.

"It's vital to take the chance when it arrives in as well-balanced a meeting as that between two rivals who know each other so well. And we did - deservedly so," Pekerman said.

Marquez ended this World Cup as he had the last going out in the second round even if personally it was a happier ending than his red card against the United States in 2002.

However the Barcelona defender was not too happy with the referee Massimo Busacca of Switzerland.

"Various refereeing decisions went against us - but in the end the team that scores more goals wins. We gave our all and it's sad," said the 27-year-old.

Germany will prove a tough obstacle for the Argentines as they looked an outstanding unit in the first-half demolishing a previously highly-regarded Swedish defensive unit.

They were so happy that the squad celebrated in the dressing room by singing and dancing.

"The mood in the dressing room was brilliant. They were singing and dancing - I am so proud of them," beamed their free spirited coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

They will be hoping the beat goes on next Friday.

Source: China Daily