France are the dirtiest side left in the World Cup, according to football's governing body FIFA, but only thanks to Argentina being sent packing by Holland on Saturday.
FIFA statistics reveal that Argentina committed more fouls than any other team in France 98, but also won more free-kicks.
The FIFA lists show the South Americans committed 97 fouls in five matches, two more than France and Germany, who are also out after tumbling to Croatia.
Argentina won 107 free-kicks, 33 of them by Ariel Ortega who finished his World Cup by getting sent off for butting Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar two minutes from the end of their quarter-final. Brazil were the next most sinned-against team. The record for the semi-finalists reads: France: 95 fouls committed, 88 fouls suffered. Croatia: 87 - 78. Brazil: 70 - 89. Holland: 86 - 77.
And the World Cup cardfest has earned Mexican referee Arturo Brizio Carter - and his notebook - a place in World Cup history.
Brizio Carter has sent off seven players in six World Cup games, more than any other referee in history. His most recent red cards were awarded to Ortega and Holland's Arthur Numan in Saturday's quarter-final.
Ortega has been banned for three matches by FIFA for his sins, while left-back Numan has been banned for one match and, along with Brazil's Cafu, will miss tomorrow's semi-final.
