Durban - An irate English side has exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup after being outplayed 4-1 by Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Just as in 1966, when the two sides met in a World Cup final, the game ended amidst controversy after Frank Lampard's goal in the first half was disallowed.
The Chelsea midfielder's disallowed goal was a legal one and will ensure that calls for technology in soccer be introduced, something that FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has vehemently opposed.
But despite the controversial goal, England's performance was poor and their defence shaky for most of the game.
Goalkeeper David James made two crucial saves for England in the first half.
But Miroslav Klose managed to give the Germans the lead in the 20th minute and ended up tormenting the English until the final whistle.
Koln striker Lukas Podolski added another goal in the 32nd minute.
Matthew Upson's header just minutes before the interval gave England hope and Fabio Capello's men would have equalised had Lampard's goal be allowed.
England were unable to keep up with a face-paced German outfit. Even though they boasted a top-level international team, including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jermaine Defoe and John Terry.
It can be argued that Michael Ballack's absence actually proved favourable for Germany. It forced the younger players to take charge in the midfield and step up their game.
Mesut Ozil, who scored Germany's only goal against Ghana has been one of the most impressive players in the tournament thus far.
Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger ran the midfield for the Germans against England.
With two superb German counter-attacks, Thomas Mueller netted twice in the second half.
Germany will meet Argentina in the quarterfinal next Saturday. The two sides also met in a 2006 quarterfinal with Germany defeating the South Americans in a penalty shootout.
And later on Sunday, Argentina overcame Mexico 3-1 in Johannesburg.
