Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo admitted Argentina are in agony after they were knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals by Germany.

The hosts' victory on penalties after the quarter-final ended 1-1 was a bitter blow to Argentina, who had been regarded as one of the favourites.

Their coach Jose Pekerman resigned following the defeat with criticism being aimed at him for taking playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme off against the hosts with 18 minutes of normal time remaining.

Crespo said: "We played really well and it hurts so much to lose. The boys are really down because we've got an exceptional team, we gave it everything we had out there and we deserved so much more.

"Germany weren't better than us and the game was decided by the smallest of details.

"For me, we've had a disappointing tournament because we've been knocked out. That said, I'm very proud to be part of this group."

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze said he now "couldn't care less" who wins the tournament.

He said: "It hurts a lot to lose like that. We didn't deserve it but we gave it all we had. I really don't know why we lost. As for whether I think Germany will win the World Cup, the truth is I really couldn't care less."

Argentina defender Roberto Ayala insists his players should return home from the World Cup with their heads held high.

Ayala said: "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.

"We shouldn't be hard on ourselves, though, and we can look ourselves in the mirror and go home proud of what we've done. I think the last 10 minutes were vital to us not winning the game. That's when we lost a little control and let Germany get an equaliser."

FIFA's disciplinary committee are set to investigate the scenes of violence which marred the quarter-final.

At least one German player was left lying on the grass after being kicked while there was also widespread punching and pushing following the end of the quarter-final.

Relations had soured during the shoot-out itself and spilled over at the end as players and officials from both sides clashed and FIFA should confirm today that they are to investigate.