Soccer: Sweden dump Argentina out of Cup in 1-1 draw

8.30pm

MIYAGI, Japan - Pre-tournament favourites Argentina followed defending champions France out of the World Cup today when they drew 1-1 with Sweden in the so-called Group of Death.

Argentina laid siege to the Swedish goal for most of the game but just could not score and went behind in the 59th minute when Anders Svensson curled a free kick over the Argentina defensive wall.

Hernan Crespo scored an equaliser two minutes from the end, following up an Ariel Ortega penalty saved by Magnus Hedman.

Much-fancied Argentina, who had lost 1-0 to England in their previous game, failed to get past the first round for the first time since 1962.

In a bizarre incident just before halftime, Argentina's Claudio Caniggia was shown a red card, apparently for dissent, while sitting on the substitutes' bench.

Group F winners Sweden go on to play World Cup debutants Senegal in the second round.

- REUTERS

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