The World Cup's Group of Death had a day on Friday. England captain David Beckham gave his team a one nil victory over long-term rivals Argentina. Nigeria's World Cup gamble on youth over experience backfired, and playing pretty football along the way was scant comfort for their distraught players after their 2-1 defeat by Sweden. And in Group B, Spain came from behind to beat Paraguay 3-1, becoming the first team to reach the second round.
England and Argentina have a long football enmity. This time, England was the winner.
A tricky move from striker Michael Owen earned a penalty kick for England, and Beckham couldn't miss to give England a 1-0 win.
Just four years ago in his last World Cup against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for petulantly kicking on Diego Simeone, and England lost the subsequent penalty shoot-out.
Friday's win has earned England four points, topping Group F along with Sweden.
Earlier on Friday,the Super Eagles Nigeria became the second team after Saudi Arabia to be eliminated from football's premier event.
They jumped ahead in the 27th minute with a glancing header from Julius Agahowa. It was the 11th international goal for the 19-year-old striker.
But Sweden came back again just as they did against England.
Two goals by Henrik Larssen put Sweden 2-1.
Nigeria's veteran captain Jay Jay Okacha later admitted Sweden's experience was the decisive factor in the decisive game of Group of Death. The Swedes now have four points.
In Group B, Paraguay had taken a surprise lead in the 10th minute when right back Carles Puyol scored in his own net.
But substitute Fernando Morientes leveled the scores with a header from a Javi de Pedro corner in the 53rd minute and then bundled home Spain's second from close range 16 minutes later.
Captain Fernando Hierro made the game safe with a penalty in the 82nd minute.
Spain's win leaves them top of the group with six points and ensures the habitual under-achievers a place in the last 16.
Paraguay have one point, level with South Africa, who meet Slovenia in their group B match on Saturday. The Slovenians have no points.
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