Argentina pulled off a 1-0 win over Germany in a friendly in Munich on Wednesday ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain collected a long clearance from Angel di Maria before beating defender Per Mertesacker, slipping the ball past Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler and slotting it into the empty net for the 45th-minute winner.

Argentina's victory was clouded by an injury to defender Martin Demichelis, who suffered a broken cheekbone when he was hit accidentally in the face by the knee of Germany captain Michael Ballack.

Both Argentina and Germany qualified for the June soccer gala.

Argentina, a two-time World Cup champion, is in a group with Nigeria, Greece and South Korea at this summer's World Cup, while Germany is with Australia, Ghana and Serbia.