Even after hiring decorated Italian coach Fabio Capello and boasting some of world’s best scorers, England could not run deep into the 2010 World Cup. Germany had the Three Lions’ number all day, defeating the the Brits 4-1 and sending them home to a disappointed nation.
A pivotal moment came late into the first half Frank Lampard knocked in a shot that hit the crossbar and landed behind the goal line. However, due to back spin, it bounced easily into the hands of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Germany went up on goals by Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski before England’s Matthew Upson made it 2-1 in the 37th minute.
Lampard’s non-goal came a minute later. After the ball landed across the line, it spun back into the arms of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. 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 headed off the field at halftime, Wayne Rooney walked over to a linesman and gestured with his hands how far he thought the ball crossed the goal line.
What’s ridiculous is that the center referee did not consult his linesman. Why not exhaust your resources during such a crucial call?
Germany will face the winner of today’s Mexico/Argentina match in the next round.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
