BUENOS AIRES, June 24 - Celebrating Argentines poured into the rain-wet 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 explosion of joy broke a tense two hours of silence -- when barely a car had moved through the streets as Mexico took one of the tournament favourites into extra time.

Ambulances drove past with sirens wailing, to join the festivities after a victory which sets up a match with hosts Germany in the quarter-final in Berlin next Friday.

"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.

Asked whether he gave up hope during the game he said "Never, in every language, never."

"I did feel it was tough going, but now I'm feeling total happiness," said Silvana Castro, 20, a cashier who also went out into the street to celebrate.

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.