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U.S. set up date with Germany

McBride turns away after shooting the U.S. ahead

GWANGJU, South Korea (CNN) -- The U.S. are through to the World Cup quarterfinals after beating a poor Mexico side 2-0.

Boosted by a pre-match call from President George W. Bush, they made it five wins out of six against their most fierce rivals and booked a date with Germany on Friday.

Following Senegal's victory on Sunday, it is the latest surprise in a tournament where the form book has been ripped up.

Brian McBride fired them ahead after eight minutes and as Mexico poured forward in the second half, Landon Donovan sealed it with a classic breakaway goal.

As Mexico's frustration grew, captain Rafael Marquez was sent off three minutes from time for a crude challenge on American substitute Cobi Jones.

The U.S. reached the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930 after playing just two games. But this achievement is a significant boost for supporters of the game in America, who have to compete against baseball, American football, basketball and ice hockey.

"It's a great day for U.S. soccer," said coach Bruce Arena, who had taken the call from Bush and promised the president a level of effort to make the nation proud.

America played with grit and resolve, crowding out Mexico in defence and relying on counter-attacks. And when Mexico did get a sight on goal, Brad Friedel was unbeatable, pulling off a string of saves.

Even when the big keeper misjudged Luis Hernandez's free-kick, he managed to tip it onto the bar.

The luck never ran for Mexico and claims for a penalty for handball against John O'Brien were waved away.

Mexico fell behind when Claudio Reyna escaped on the right and as the ball was knocked back McBride was unmarked on the edge of the area to score his second goal of the tournament.

The Mexicans had most of the possession but their form from the group games, when they won two and drew one, deserted them.

They were caught cold again after 65 minutes when Donovan dived to head in Eddie Pope's brilliant cross.

Mexico Oscar Perez; Ramon Morales, Manuel Vidrio, Rafael Marquez, Braulio Luna; Jesus Arellano, Salvador Carmona, Gerardo Torrado, Johan Rodriguez; Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jared Borgetti

USA Brad Friedel; Eddie Pope, Tony Sanneh, Pablo Mastroeni, Gregg Berhalter; John O'Brien, Eddie Lewis, Claudio Reyna, Landon Donovan; Josh Wolff, Brian McBride

Referee Vitor Melo Pereira (Portugal)