But the match in Bloemfontein was marred by Frank Lampard’s goal that never was.

Shortly after Matthew Upson pulled one back for England, TV replays showed Lampard’s shot, which hit the underside of the bar, was at least a yard over the goal-line.

The Chelsea midfielder’s dipping strike would have levelled the scores – but Muller’s second half goals ensured Germany romped to a convincing win.

Dejected England fans at home and in South Africa reacted furiously to the decision to disallow Lampard’s effort.

Mark McGraw, 46, a ground worker from Eastwood in Nottingham, said: “It’s a joke. The linesman was half way up the pitch. They’re trying to get us back for ’66.”

Richard Carter, 37, a professional gambler from Shaw in Oldham, said: “I’m sitting a hundred yards away and it was definitely in.

“I would like to know what the referee and linesman were looking at. They clearly weren’t watching the game.”

Another fan in the 40,510 crowd chipped in: “We need a Russian linesman.”

Bookmaker William Hill said it would pay out to their customers who bet on Lampard scoring against Germany.

“It will cost us a six figure sum,” said William Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.