Mexico Eliminated by Argentina

[pioneer]

By STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer

Mexico’s exit from the World Cup was a merchandising disaster for local street vendors hawking flags, sombreros and vuvuzelas, but a relief for thousands of police who had been braced for raucous celebrations around the country.

In a restaurant in downtown Mexico City on Sunday, fans were left to ponder Mexico again knocked out of the World Cup by Argentinaâ€"this time a 3-1 loss. Four years ago, Argentina eliminated Mexico 2-1 at the same stage of the tournament.

This marks the fifth straight time that Mexico has reached the last 16 of the World Cupâ€"and the fifth straight time it has lost. Mexico lost against Bulgaria (1994), Germany (1998), the United States (2002) and now twice in a row against Argentina.