Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said that Mexico gave his team a run for their money in the World Cup round of 16 match on Saturday. "It has to be said that playing Argentina always brings out the best in Mexico, but at the end of the day it's down to us," Pekerman told a press conference following Argentina's 2-1 overtime win over Mexico. "We had our problems, that's true, but that was down to our opponents, who denied us possession and made us work hard to get it back," he added. Argentina came from behind to beat Mexico in overtime, courtesy of a brilliant Maxi Rodriguez volley. "I'm happy, and I think we put in a good performance because we did what we set out to do – to win and get into the quarter-finals. "Football is a combination of tactical discipline, mental stability, a winning mentality and the ability of the players at key times, and overall I think we were worthy winners," he added.
When asked about Argentina's prospects against Germany in the quarter-finals, Pekerman said: "Germany will be another really difficult game. "You win a match at a World Cup and there's an even tougher opponent lying in wait," he added. While Argentina prepares to advance, Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe said he felt the two teams were equally matched, but was disappointed El Tri were unable to make the quarter-finals. "It was an even game, just as I expected it to be, and it was a magnificent individual goal that decided it," the Argentine coach said. "Having said that, Mexico gave an excellent account of themselves. Once again, though, we didn't achieve what we came to do, which was to reach the quarter-finals at least. "