Argentina arrived in New Zealand as the favourites to win the Fifa Under-20 World Cup but they have been knocked out in the group stages.
Their dour 0-all draw with Austria in Wellington today consigned them to their fate following a 2-2 draw with Panama last Saturday and a 3-2 loss to Ghana earlier in the week.
The result will be hugely disappointing for a passionate football nation who have great history at this event, having claimed the trophy six times.
They had their opportunities against Austria, who seemed more than content to sit back and defend, but they were unable to find a way past Austrian goalkeeper Tino Casali.
The 1.92m custodian was immense throughout the game as he made a number of smart saves. The 19-year-old plays his club football for Austria Vienna.
As the game wore on, Austria sat deeper on defence and the second spell was largely an exercise in Argentina trying to find a goal but it wasn't forthcoming.
Austria have finished the pool stage with five points and claimed second behind Ghana in Group B.
Argentina have only two points and that won't be enough to see them move through to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams. Panama finished last with one point.
When the final whistle blew the Austrians raised their hands in the air and celebrated, while disappointment washed through the Argentinian side.
Argentina 0
Austria 0
Halftime: 0-0
