Argentina cruised through the group stage with three stylish victories. Its reward is a matchup against a familiar opponent that caused plenty of problems for La Albiceleste four years ago in Germany.
Diego Maradona's squad will take on Mexico on Sunday at Johannesburg in the round of 16 in a rematch of a thrilling meeting from the 2006 World Cup.
Argentina used three dominant performances to top Group B, and Mexico finished with four points to earn the runner-up spot in Group A. Those results ensured that this one-sided rivalry will resume, with Argentina going 11-4-10 in the last 25 meetings.
Four years ago, these sides met at the same stage in Germany, and Argentina won 2-1 in extra time on Maxi Rodriguez's goal in the 98th minute.
"It's going to be competitive against another team from the Americas, another that knows how to manage the clock, the referee, the fouls - that looks for every advantage," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. "We have to understand we will have to overcome things like this."
Mexico could have avoided this matchup by winning its group, but fell 1-0 to Uruguay on Tuesday. El Tri still have impressed Maradona.
"They deserve a lot of respect," Maradona said of Mexico. "Even though they lost, they have their identity."
Maradona continues to be a lightning rod for criticism, but Argentina has looked sharp under his guidance while outscoring opponents by a combined 7-1 score. Striker Gonzalo Higuain has three goals and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has looked very effective, although he has yet to score.
"I know I still haven't scored but I'm not bothered about that," Messi said. "Obviously I'd like to get a goal, but it's only a question of time before it comes."
Messi is part of an attacking threesome that includes Higuain and Carlos Tevez, with Sergio Aguero - a starter for most nations - being used as a substitute.
"It's well known that they have great players, but like in any other match we have to concentrate on all their players, from their forwards to their goalkeeper," Mexico defender Hector Moreno said.
Mexico is hoping forward Carlos Vela will play after he suffered a right leg injury Tuesday. Vela has returned to training, although there is no official word on his availability.
Vela and Mexico's attacking players will hope to take advantage of a back line that is considered to be one of Argentina's few weaknesses. Right back Jonas Gutierrez is back from suspension, but Maradona may choose to give Nicolas Otamendi a second straight start.
El Tri have been eliminated at this stage in each of the four previous World Cups, and they've never advanced to the quarterfinals on foreign soil.
"More than vengeance, I see it as a good opportunity to make history, which is what we want," Moreno said.
The winner advances to meet the winner of the matchup between England and Germany.
