Argentina leads 2-0 over Mexico at halftime of 2nd-round match at World Cup

Argentina leads 2-0 over Mexico at halftime

JOHANNESBURG — Goals from Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain have given Argentina a 2-0 lead over Mexico at halftime of their second-round World Cup match.

Tevez headed into an empty net from close range in the 26th minute after Lionel Messi had chipped the ball toward goal. Replays showed the striker to be offside, setting off wild protests from the Mexicans.

Higuain then capitalized on a colossal blunder by Mexico defender Ricardo Osorio, who gave the ball away just outside the area. Higuain calmly rounded goalkeeper Oscar Perez before slotting the ball into the net in the 33rd.

Mexico came close when Carlos Salcido’s long-range effort in the eighth minute shook the crossbar.

The winner will play Germany in the quarterfinals.