Germany humiliates England in World Cup

Posted on August 7, 2010 by SoccerPunter

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa: Thomas Mueller scored twice in the second half Sunday and England had a goal not awarded by the referee in a 4-1 victory that put Germany into the World Cup quarterfinals.

The 20-year-old forward finished two quick German counterattacks within 3 minutes to sink England’s hopes of beating Germany at the World Cup for the first time since the 1966 final.

England was not helped by referee Jorge Larrionda waving play on even though Frank Lampard’s first-half shot landed well past the goal line after hitting the crossbar. Germany led 2-1 at the time.

Germany went up on goals by Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski before Matthew Upson pulled a goal back in the 37th minute.

On Lampard’s non-goal, after the ball landed inside the goal, it ball spun back into the arms of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. England coach Fabio Capello initially celebrated what he thought was an equalizer by clenching his fists and shaking his arms. But his face changed when he realized the goal had not been given.

As the players walked off the field at halftime, Wayne Rooney walked over to the linesman who didn’t flag for the goal and gestured with his hands how far he thought the ball had crossed the line.

In 1966, England and Germany were 2-2 in extra time in the World Cup final when Geoff Hurst’s shot struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and spun back into play. That time, the referee consulted his linesman, who awarded the goal.

Hurst went on to score a third goal in England’s 4-2 victory at Wembley.

Germany plays the winner of Argentina-Mexico, which is later Sunday.

Mueller scored on the counterattack in the 67th minute, having started the move after a long clearance by Jerome Boateng. Mueller passed to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who patiently dribbled upfield and ran across the 18-yard line to feed the unguarded Mueller. His shot hit the hand of England goalkeeper David James and went in.

Three minutes later, Mueller struck again after a break on the left wing by Mesut Oezil.

Klose scored his 50th goal in 99 games for Germany — his 12th World Cup goal — by outmuscling defender Upson to a bouncing ball off a goal kick. Podolski gave the three-time champions a 2-0 lead, putting the ball through James’ legs.

Upson headed in a cross from Steven Gerrard to make it 2-1, then Lampard’s shot was not rewarded — a decision sure to be debated for as long as international soccer has no video replay.

SoccerPunter Analyst Comments:

England was tore apart by Germany strong attacking force in Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Mueller.

Clearly England’s defence was inexperience without veterans Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher. Whenever Germany attacks, England was vulnerable at the back for the Germans to exploit.

We felt that England goalkeeper David James should take the blame for the two goals. He was certainly not at his best form and it is time for him to retire from international football.

It was unbelievable that Frank Lampard’s goal was not counted. Even without the replay, we could easily tell that it was a goal. But the referee was not convinced. Had the goal been awarded, we could see a different full time result.

Germany vs England Soccer Odds Movement: http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/international/world-cup-2010/livesoccerodds?home=Germany&away=England&date=2010-06-27