USA face Germany in quarter-finals - report

Mexico 0 USA 2

USA will face Germany in the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002 after a shock two-goal victory over Mexico in the second round today.

Mexico got off to a strong start and threatened the USA goal within two minutes and won a corner a minute later.

The USA had their backs to the wall as Mexico pushed forward, but showed their skills on the first break when Brian McBride shocked the Mexicans with a goal on eight minutes.

Mexico continued to press. Seven minutes later Morales broke into the box after beating his man on the left wing and drilled a shot just wide of the left hand post.

But as the half wore on, Mexico became increasingly agitated and lost much of the composure that made them clear favourites coming into the game, and now the result didn't look like a foregone conclusion after all.

On 25 minutes, Mexico's Blanco broke from midfield and his powerful left-footed drive had to be parried away by Brad Friedel in the USA goal.

The ball was cleared but Blanco continued to cause problems and Eddie Pope was cautioned for fouling him a minute later.

Mexico's ineffectiveness going forward prompted their coach to bring on Luis Fernandez for Ramon Morales just before the half-hour.

Mexico's chance came on 35 minutes when a botched clearance had to be punched away by Friedel. The ball fell to Blanco who chested it down and struck weakly to allow Friedel to make the save.

The USA responded almost immediately when Wolff was clean through, but Mexico keeper Peres made an oustanding save.

Mexico created a couple of half-chances towards the end of the half but went in a goal down at the break.

The Mexicans took off defender Manuel Vidrio at the break and put on midfielder Sigifredo Mercado.

And a minute into the half, Mastroeni was booked for delaying a Mexican free-kick by holding onto the ball.

From the free-kick Blanco saw his first effort blocked by the wall, and the same thing with his follow-up effort.

On 49 minutes Portuguese referee Vitor Melo Pereira was waving a yellow card again, this time at Wolff for taking too long with a throw and then giving to ball to a colleague.

On 51 minutes, Friedel needed to touch a Braulio Luna free-kick onto the crossbar, and then Reyna was booked for something that happened in a penalty area melee that resulted in a Mexican corner!

The States were under relentless pressure but somehow they kept the Mexicans out even with the whole cabaret of diving going on around the box.

And from the depths of desperate defence, the Americans broke with stunning effect on 65 minutes.

Lewis raced down the left to put over a fine cross that Landon Donovan dived forward to power past Perez.

The Mexicans were now getting desperate and Hernandez was booked for diving in the box on 65 minutes. Blanco was next for an incident at a free-kick.

They mounted a few attacks but eventually frustration got the better of them and captain Rafael Marquez was sent off on 87 minutes for violent conduct.

Mexico quickly ran out of time and ideas, as USA held on for a surprise win.