A brilliant second-half kicking performance by Gonzalo Quesada saw Argentina come from behind to clinch a crucial 32-16 win over Samoa in a rain-swept Group D match.

The 25-year-old fly-half struck eight penalties and a drop goal as the Pumas came from 16-3 down at half-time to virtually assure themselves of a place in the play-offs.

It was only Argentina's second win in the history of the World Cup.

The Argentinian, nicknamed 'Speedy Gonzales' because of the length of time he takes with his kicks, was composure itself as he slotted nine of his ten attempts at the posts.

His deadly accuracy saw the Pumas make a remarkable recovery against the big-hitting Samoans who adapted better to the slippery conditions.

Quesada: Kicked 27 of his side's 32 points - but can tackle too

The Pacific islanders seemed to have a World Cup play-off place in their sights after notching up a 13-point half time lead thanks to a try by flanker Junior Paramore and two penalties and a conversion from full-back Silao Leaega.

But it was a different story after the break as Gonzalez made the most of the Samoans' increasing ill-discipline with as good a kicking performance as any seen in the tournament so far.

Their renaissance was crowned in the 66th minute by their first World Cup try.

The honour was claimed by burly lock Allejandro Allub who barged over from close range.

Samoa now have just four days to pick themselves up and prepare for their final Pool D clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday.

Teams:
Argentina: M. Contepomi, Bartolucci, Simone, Arbizu, Albanese, Quesada, Pichot, Reggiardo, Ledesma Arocena, Hasan-Jalil, Fernandez-Lobbe, Allub, Phelan, Martin, Longo-Elia.
Replacements: Camardon, F. Contepomi, Fernandez-Miranda, Ostiglia, Ruiz, Scelzo, Canalda.

Samoa: Leaega, So'oalo, Leaupepe, Tuigamala, Lima, Bachop, So'oiloa, Reidy, Leota, Ale, Palepoi, Tone, Ta'ala, Paramore, Lam.
Replacements: Vaega, Vili, Clarke, Toleafoa, Feaunati, Mika, Matauiau.
Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia)

Scorers:
Argentina: Try: Alejandro Allub; Penalties: Gonzalo Quesada (8); Drop goal: Quesada
Samoa: Try: Junior Paramore; Penalties: Silao Leaega (3); Conversion: Leaega
Halftime: 3-16