Messi Sparks And Mascherano Ignites As Argentina Go Top

Argentina 1-0 Paraguay

Substitutes Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano combined to help Argentina snatch top spot from Paraguay, a result that sees them avoid Mexico in the quarter-finals.

First Half
A below strength Argentina dominated the midfield, with some good collective moves and fine touches but didn't create many goalscoring opportunities in the opening minutes.
Their first serious attack came when Carlos Tevez had a long distance effort well saved by Paraguayan goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla.

Argentina, who missed the inspiration of a rested Juan Roman Riquelme, continued to press and came close to taking the lead after a furious attack down the wing.

Paraguay almost took the lead in the 33rd minute, when Salvador Cabanas had a good effort saved by Argentine goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri, who immediately made another save.

Second Half

There was much of the same domination in the second half, with Aimar and Tevez looking bright, but the goals failed to come. Palacio drifted in and out of the game, and that, perhaps, had a telling impact.

After 25 minutes of the same, Basile had seen enough, and decided to throw in Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano. The impact was immediate, with the Barcelona forward setting the game alight with his movements and trickery.

It was indeed he who did all the hard work on the left with 12 minutes to go, skipping past one defender and racing up the line, skipping past another to cut inside before letting a dangerous cross fly across the face of goal.

It was only just headed away, and fell to Mascherano just outside the area. The Liverpool man took a touch, and literally passed it into the corner with unbelievable composure. That was that, as Argentina became the only team to keep a perfect record in the tournament.
They will now take on Peru in the quarter-finals. Paraguay face Mexico.