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Published on February 2, 2008

Lachalan Wright put the Aussies ahead after just three minutes when the captain escaped his markers before striking from outside the box.

The Argentines found it hard to settle down as they were caught unawares by Australia's aggressive game plan.

Ignacio Caviglia managed to equalise for Argentina before Adrian Vizzari helped the Australians leap to a 2-1 lead with his close-range free-kick in the 15th minute. Argentina were back on level terms as Alamiro Vaporaki scored in the 33rd after a cross from Caviglia.

Fernando De Moraes' right-footer in the 38th minute made in 3-2 in favour of Australia, before goalkeeper Santiago Daniel Elias crushed Aussie hopes by scoring in the 39th.

"We don't know why the referees let the Australians to play in such an aggressive way. We wanted to progress as group leaders because we did not wish to play Brazil in the semi-finals," said head coach Jose Fernando.

Brazil progressed as Group B leaders after a 2-0 victory over Holland. Iran, who crushed China 6-1 to pick up their third point in the morning session, were due to play their decisive game against Thailand for a spot in the semi-finals.

Somporn Suphop

 The Nation

Kuala Lumpur