Perennial power Argentina eliminated from World Cup

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Posted 6:51AM on Wednesday, June 12, 2002

MIYAGI, JAPAN - Pretournament favorite Argentina followed in France's unenviable footsteps Wednesday, falling out of the World Cup in the first round after tying Sweden 1-1. Sweden won Group F and will play Senegal on Sunday in Oita. England also advanced with a 0-0 tie against Nigeria. Anders Svensson gave Sweden the lead on a free kick in the 59th minute, driving the ball over the defensive wall and off the right hand of goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero. ``I went crazy when I scored,'' Svensson said. ``I was so happy I ran like a madman.'' Hernan Crespo tied it in the 88th minute on a rebound after goalkeeper Magnus Hedman blocked Ariel Ortega's penalty kick. Ortega hesitated before booting the ball and Crespo clearly entered the penalty area too early. But the goal stood, and the Argentines pressed for another that would push them into the round of 16. Ortega tested Sweden's defense with some fine runs and Pablo Aimar came close with a shot that was cleared off the line. Hedman also made a great save on a drive by Javier Zanetti from the edge of the penalty area. Hedman and his defense withstood everything Argentina could muster, sending the two-time world champions home very early. ``I can't say the last five minutes were enjoyable when you sit on the bench and just hope the players can stand up to it and do their job,'' said Swedish co-coach Lars Lagerback. ``I think we were a little lucky today.'' As the final whistle went, Sweden's substitutes came running onto the field to embrace their teammates. Argentina's players trudged off in disbelief, some - including Crespo - openly crying. The difference for Argentina was its 1-0 loss to England. The Argentines also beat Nigeria 1-0. Sweden tied England 1-1 and beat Nigeria 2-1. Argentina started well, with Pablo Aimar and Ortega repeatedly opening up the Swedish defense, but their shots kept going astray. Late in the first half, referee Ali Boujsaim of the United Arab Emirates ejected Argentine substitute Claudio Caniggia and a member of the coaching staff for protesting a call.