MexicoBy Fiona Ortiz
BUENOS AIRES, June 24 (Reuters) - Celebrating Argentines poured into the rain-splashed avenues, screaming, singing, dancing, blowing horns and setting off firecrackers after their team secured a 2-1 World Cup win over Mexico on Saturday.
The team's performance is in keeping with the mood of a nation which is starting to feel good about itself again.
Four years ago Argentina's economy collapsed and its adored soccer team had its worst World Cup performance in years, failing to make it out of the group round.
But things are different this time. Argentines have renewed confidence as their economy surges and to keep the good times rolling, their side won 2-1 in extra time against Mexico on Saturday, moving into the quarter-finals.
"Spectacular. It was the best game. Mexico doesn't exist," said Emanuel Wyberg, 24, a clothing shop employee banging on an empty five-gallon water jug in celebration.
"Euphoric, happy. I never lost faith," shouted an emotional Matias Brie, 16, a student running down the confetti-strewn street with friends, celebrating after the game.
"Argentina is a team of love and passion," he said, almost choking as he spoke. "We won in '78, we won in '86. We'll win again."
But other fans remained cautious, since Argentina faces hosts Germany in a quarter-final match in Berlin on Friday.
"Now we have to go up against Germany, it could get complicated," said Silvana Castro, 20, a cashier at a downtown shop, who joined street celebrations.
Mexico had taken an early lead after only six minutes before Argentina equalised four minutes later in the game played in the eastern German city of Leipzig.
It took a spectacular goal by midfielder Maxi Rodriguez eight minutes into extra time to settle one of the best games of the tournament so far.
Miguel Angel Fontana, a 50-year-old taxi driver trying to get his cab through the streets choked with partying teenagers, said Argentines should not let the euphoria blind them to the high levels of poverty that persist in the South American nation.
"Let's not forget in all this happiness that there are kids around here dying of hunger and youths without work, without a future," he said. (Additional reporting by Cesar Illiano)
