This was Argentina's first ever defeat since 26th July 2000 when they lost to Brazil in a qualifying match in Brazil. (So Argentina was unbeaten from 26th July 2000 to 7th June 2002). This defeat also was the first defeat to a European side since 1998 when they lost to the Netherlands in the World Cup '98.

WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT ABOUT OWEN'S PENALTY

SOME TALKING POINTS ABOUT ARGENTINA-ENGLAND MATCH

Beckham, Owen hatch cunning plan - CNN (Before the match)

SAPPORO, Japan (AP) -- Argentina better watch out. David Beckham and Michael Owen are devising a cunning plan for a victory at the World Cup.

The two England stars say they don't plan to resort to tomfoolery. Although Owen has gained a reputation among some defenders for a tendency to dive, it's his sheer speed that makes it seem that way, he contends.

Maradona said...

Maradona, who received over 111,000 votes, almost 4,000 more than Pele in an internet poll conducted by FIFA where more than 1.5 million fans worldwide voted, according to the official FIFA website, felt sympathy for Zidane, he did not for David Beckham.

"Fame is gauged on what you do on the pitch at the World Cup. People talk about 'Beckham-mania' but I don't see David Beckham with the World Cup trophy," Maradona shrugged.

"Beckham scored a penalty [to defeat Argentina 1-0] that shouldn't have been a penalty but England still went out in the quarterfinals. That's no reason to go out and buy a Beckham shirt."

Beckenbauer levels criticism against Collina (After the match) 

"Collina's penalty awarded to England has lately been a major topic for discussions. Thus, one of the world's best refs was misled by Owen. However, there are still a lot of refs who are generous on awarding penalties."

World-Germany''s Klinsmann calls England goal undeserved

Juergen Klinsmann, the 1990 Germany World Cup winner famous for his diving skills, said that a decisive penalty kick awarded to England in their 1-0 win over Argentina had been undeserved.

Klinsmann, a commentator for Germany's ZDF television, said England striker Michael Owen had fooled referee Pierluigi Collina by falling after brushing past Argentina's Mauricio Pochettino in the 44th minute, setting up a penalty scored by captain David Beckham.

"I don't think he touched him," said Klinsmann, who retired in 1998.

"I don't think it was a penalty. But it doesn't matter."

Klinsmann, who scored 47 goals in 108 internationals, helped Germany win the 1990 World Cup in Italy and the 1996 European championships in England. He was English footballer of the year in 1994-95 after scoring 29 cup and league goals.

Famous himself for diving, he managed to disarm critics in England for falling too easily during the 1994 World Cup by starting his first news conference in London without waiting for the first question from reporters.

"Maybe I can ask you the first question. Are there any diving schools in London?"

After the laughter had subsided, he become one of the most popular players that season and was lauded everywhere he played with huge crowds all over the country appreciative of his skills and his sense of fair play.

On Friday, Klinsmann said England's victory over Argentina should raise their chances in the tournament.

"I believe England should now be counted among the favourites," he said.

BBC FANS’ TALK

1) Owen dived for the penalty, just like he did in 1998! Am I the only person in the country who can see that? 

2) I don't think England deserved to win that match. Owen made the most of the weak challenge by the Argentinean defender. It was as close to a dive as I've seen. Douglas Murdie, Scotland

3) It was glaringly apparent that Owen was not tripped but timed his faked fall superbly to sneak his penalty. Rivaldo should definitely enrol in the Michael Owen school of acting.  

4) I am very disappointed that no English fan is prepared to stand up and accept that Owen dived. 

5) The penalty may have been questionable, Phil, UK 

6) As a neutral I thought England played a good game against the Argentines. Although I must say if Owen had worn an Argentine shirt he'd be crucified by the media in England for diving. Let's face it, that's two games against Argentina in a row he's dived for a penalty!! Gordon, Scotland

7) In light of recent events surrounding Rivaldo and diving I hope video evidence is used against Michael Owen, in light of his latest dive. Neale Kennedy, UK

8) I think Argentina were very unlucky. They had much more possession than England. I hate it when England play bad and win the game! I, too, think that Owen dived! Jo Jang, Spain

9) Man of the match for me was the referee. When he booked Batistuta he showed he was in control. Oh and he correctly called the penalty! Al Dutton, UK

10) I honestly think Owen dived to earn England a penalty. No physical contact between Owen and Pochettino at all. Karsten, Denmark

11) Another great dive by Owen cost Argentina another penalty.Alessio, Argentina  

12) Unfortunately Argentina were robbed by a diving Owen, just as they were in 1998. Owen should have been shown the yellow card for his actions. Rahul Sopal, Spain