Argentine press cries after national team eliminated from World Cup

Argentine press described as "unjust" and a "lottery" their team's elimination from soccer's World Cup by hosts Germany in a quarter-final decided by penalties.

Germany and Argentina both scored a goal in normal time, but Germany won four of its five penalties in the final shootout, while Argentina only scored two.

Sporting daily Ole said that Argentina had been "eliminated in the penalty lottery," adding that "despite the defeat the team leaves the World Cup with its head held high in a World Cup notable for many irregularities and a small amount of skilful play."

Clarin said that "Argentina had everything it needed to win through to the semi-finals. Brimming with attitude, it had Germany on ropes. But questions remain: Was it really necessary to end extra time so close to the Argentine goal? Did (manager) Jose Pekerman make the wrong substitutions?"

La Nacion said that "Argentina suffered an unjust elimination... all the anguish contained in those 120 minutes became tears and disappointment."

Argentines on the street were angrier than their press, saying that Solvak referee Lubos Michel played for Germany, and that Pekerman had screwed up by not sending Lionel Messi on to play.

Argentina may be knocked out, but it leaves the competition with a list of impressive victories: 6-0 over Serbia and Montenegro, 2-1 over Mexico and 2-1 over Cote d'Ivoire; and one 0-0 draw with the Netherlands. The penalty shoot-out represents its only defeat.

Source: Xinhua