Perennial power Argentina eliminated from World Cup

MIYAGI, JAPAN - Pretournament favorite Argentina followed in France&#39;s unenviable footsteps Wednesday, falling out of the World Cup in the first round after tying Sweden 1-1. <br> <br> Sweden won Group F and will play Senegal on Sunday in Oita. England also advanced with a 0-0 tie against Nigeria. <br> <br> 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. <br> <br> ``I went crazy when I scored,&#39;&#39; Svensson said. ``I was so happy I ran like a madman.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Hernan Crespo tied it in the 88th minute on a rebound after goalkeeper Magnus Hedman blocked Ariel Ortega&#39;s penalty kick. Ortega hesitated before booting the ball and Crespo clearly entered the penalty area too early. <br> <br> But the goal stood, and the Argentines pressed for another that would push them into the round of 16. <br> <br> Ortega tested Sweden&#39;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. <br> <br> Hedman and his defense withstood everything Argentina could muster, sending the two-time world champions home very early. <br> <br> ``I can&#39;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,&#39;&#39; said Swedish co-coach Lars Lagerback. ``I think we were a little lucky today.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> As the final whistle went, Sweden&#39;s substitutes came running onto the field to embrace their teammates. Argentina&#39;s players trudged off in disbelief, some - including Crespo - openly crying. <br> <br> The difference for Argentina was its 1-0 loss to England. The Argentines also beat Nigeria 1-0. <br> <br> Sweden tied England 1-1 and beat Nigeria 2-1. <br> <br> Argentina started well, with Pablo Aimar and Ortega repeatedly opening up the Swedish defense, but their shots kept going astray. <br> <br> 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.

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