BUENOS AIRES, June 23: Leading Argentine daily La Nacion said in a column Sunday that the 2002 World Cup should be declared null and void because of bad refereeing.

“This should no longer be called the World Cup of surprises. That would be superficial,” bristled a column.

“It should be annulled right now, declared null and void because of the mistakes. As of now everything will be shrouded in doubt and suspicion.

“I watched, just like any other soccer lover, how Spain had its hopes stolen,” the columnist, Daniel Arcucci, wrote. “I write this shaking in anger.”

Spain had a pair of goals, which looked valid, disallowed in its quarterfinal loss Saturday to South Korea.

It was the latest scandal to hit a tournament plagued by poor decisions.—AP