Lady luck let us down, Veron says

June 19, 2002

BUENOS AIRES, June 19 (AFP) -- Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron believes his team was unlucky to crash out of the World Cup in the opening phase.

"We just lacked a little bit of luck, the luck we did enjoy in the qualifiers," Veron told Radio Rivadavia late Wednesday.

"Everyone saw we weren't the side we were in the qualifiers," added the Manchester United midfielder.

"We really pushed ourselves, nobody worked harder than we did - but sometimes that's how football works out and you have to take things as they come," he added.

"Our conscience is clear," insisted Veron, who has taken the chance to spend a few days with his family before returning to England for pre-season training with United.

Argentina began with a 1-0 win over Nigeria but then lost to Group F rivals England and drew with Sweden, who both made the second phase.