MIYAGI (Japan), June 12: Magnus Hedman and Henrik Larsson both expressed surprise, but not criticism, of referee Ali Bujsaim’s erratic performance in Wednesday’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Argentina in the final group F game at Miyagi Stadium.

The United Arab Emirates’s official showed the red card to unused Argentina substitute Claudio Caniggia for dissent as he sat on the bench shortly before halftime, and later awarded a controversial yellow card against Sweden striker Larsson for diving when he was elbowed to the ground on a clear run at goal.

He also gave Argentina a penalty when Ariel Ortega went down under a challenge from Sweden substitute Mattias Jonsson, in the 87th minute, thereby throwing the Latin American pre-tournament favourites a potential last-gasp lifeline.

Ortega took the spot-kick, which was saved by Hedman, but Hernan Crespo followed up to equalise. Argentina were unable to score again, however, and were eliminated from the finals despite mounting a siege on Sweden’s goal in the closing minutes.

Larsson, clearly fouled by Kily Gonzalez after breaking clear with an excellent chance of scoring, could not believe that the referee, instead of sending off Gonzalez — who was cautioned three minutes earlier — showed him a yellow card instead.

“I thought it was a bit strange,” said Larsson. “I thought the other guy would get a red card! But that’s the way it is and on a day like this it doesn’t matter. This will be erased now for the group stage. I am sure I didn’t go to ground.”—Reuters