The United States pulled off a classic smash and grab win today to claim a World Cup quarter-final spot.

The States beat Mexico 2-0 in Jeonju to set up a clash with Germany in the last eight.

They were under pressure for long periods but produced one well crafted goal in each half.

The first came after just seven minutes. Claudio Reyna made a brave run, then laid the ball off, Josh Wolff pushed it into the box, and there was Brian McBride to lash it into the net.

Friedel's finest moment came after the break when he needed to touch a Braulio Luna free-kick onto the crossbar.

From the depths of desperate defence, the USA broke with stunning effect on 65 minutes. Fulham's Eddie Lewis, enjoying his first start of the competition, raced down the left to put over a fine cross that Landon Donovan dived forward to power past Oscar Perez.

As the frustration grew, Mexico had Rafael Marquez sent-off on 88 minutes for violent conduct in what had always been a niggly tussle.

The Mexican skipper was guilty of a headbutt on Cobi Jones.

Victory will have gone down well in high places.

The team received a good luck message before kick-off from President George W Bush, although he told manager Bruce Arena he was not a soccer fan.

Arena's side will hope to have a bit more backing at home when they face the Germans in Ulsan on Friday.