MEXICO crashed out of the World Cup as they lost 2-0 to the United States in the latest shock to hit the tournament.

Pablo Mastroeni, a player who has been linked with a move to Turf Moor in the past, was a key figure in the defence as Blackburn Rovers keeper Brad Friedel became the first American keeper to keep a clean sheet in the finals for 52 years.

Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan earned a match-up with Germany in the last eight on Friday afternoon in Ulsan.

Former Preston striker McBride drove home a brilliant opener in the eighth minute after a powerful run and cross by Sunderland's Claudio Reyna.

That was a massive blow for the well-fancied Mexicans who had qualified in style from Group G, and it weas one from which they never really recovered.

Friedel underlined his status as one of the top keepers in the tournament with another solid display as he coped comfortably with what little the Mexicans could throw at him.

He saved from Cuautemoc Blanco and Gerardo Torrado in the first half and tipped a Blanco free kick onto the bar after the break but he had a confident game behind a solid defence.

His late booking for time-wasting seven minutes from time was the only disappointment on a day when victory was sealed by Donovan's header in the 65th minute.

Mexico's misery was complete in the 88th minute when skipper Rafael Marquez was dismissed for an ugly high tackle on Coby Jones.

The surprise win will suggest that Germany have got an increasingly easy path to the last four, having progressed by beating lacklustre Paraguay at the weekend.

But in this tournament that has been littered with shock results and amazing twists, there is no way that Rudi Voller and his side will be taking anything for granted.