Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who scored three goals for Argentina at the World Cup this year, said the Argentines are in agony following their exit yesterday on penalties at the hands of host Germany. “We played really well and it hurts so much to lose,” Crespo said adding, “Germany weren’t better than us and the game was decided by the smallest of details.” Germany may not have created as many chances as the Argentines, but they did manage to score, and a beautiful goal it was. Argentina wasted several chances to grab a second in the second half, but it never really looked like scoring in overtime. Coach Jose Pekerman resigned immediately following the match; he drew criticism for taking out playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme after he already used one of his subs to replace goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri, who hobbled off with a groin injury after 71 minutes. Roberto Ayala, who scored Argentina’s goal in the 50th minute, summed it up: “We’ve had a great World Cup and we were a great side, one that improved with every game, but now we’ve got nothing to show for it.” Meanwhile, FIFA is to investigate the scenes of violence which broke out after the match ended. One German player was left lying on the grass after being kicked, and there was also widespread punching and pushing, particularly between German coach Oliver Bierhoff and Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze.