By Les Tan/Red Sports

South Africa, Sunday, June 27, 2010 — Germany thrashed England 4-1 in their last-16 World Cup encounter to put to rest any doubts that their players were too inexperienced. This is England’s heaviest defeat in a World Cup.

German youth and guile were too much for England’s older (and some say overpaid) stars who showed all the weariness that comes from playing in their brutally long domestic English Premier League.

Two-goal hero, Thomas Muller, is just shy of his 21st birthday while Mesut Ozil, who made the third goal for Muller, turns 22 in October.

With the Bundesliga spending more than the English Premier League on their academy, according to the match commentator, this result will not surprise observers.

Germany opened up England in the 20th minute for their first goal. Manuel Neuer’s goal kick was misjudged by John Terry. In a straight chase for the ball, Miroslav Klose outmuscled Matthew Upson to guide the ball past the onrushing David James in the England goal.

Moving through the gears as smoothly as a German BMW, Germany carved open the English defence again in the 32 minutes. This time, Klose turned provider, laying on a pass to Muller for a free run into the England penalty area.

Muller then had the presence of mind to find Lukas Podolski in the box. Podolski’s initial touch brought him a shade wide but even with the angle closing, his shot still had enough accuracy and power to beat James at the near post.

England finally had their first real chance of the game in the 34th minute when Frank Lampard got on the end of a fine James Milner cross but Lampard’s toe poke was saved by Neuer.

Then came England’s first goal. Upson got on the end of a Steven Gerard cross to head home in the 37th minute to give English a welcome boost to their flagging spirits.

England should have then levelled in the 38th minute but the goal was not given. Frank Lampard’s chip over Neuer bounced into goal and then out again. However, the assistant referee, stuck at the offside line, did not see it. With the referee too far away to see it, England were robbed of a legitimate goal.

In the second half, England came close. Lampard hit the crossbar again, this time from a direct free kick, and Milner had a fine chance saved by the backside of Jerome Boateng.

In the 67th minute, German got their third on a counter attack, with Muller finding himself with space and time to smash home off James’ hand.

Despite English pressure, Germany showed they knew what to do with the ball on the counter again when they scored their fourth goal in the 70th minute.

Ozil beat a slow Gareth Barry to the ball to break free down the left. A simple square ball across the face of goal was gratefully thrashed into the back of the net by Muller for his second and Germany’s fourth.

With their World Cup all but over, Gerrard had an effort denied by the finger tips of Neuer in the 81st minute but even if that had gone in, and Lampard’s goal was counted, Germany had too much class for a talented but tired English team.

More News on Germany vs England
Video highlights of the game
Game photos
Guardian Online: Germany tear down England’s defence
Guardian Online: Five reasons why England were embarrassed by Germany
Guardian Online: Fabio Capello says he will not resign as England manager
Video of Lampard’s disallowed goal

2010 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Fixtures

SGP DATE/DAYSGP TIMECOUNTRY ACOUNTRY B
Jun 26, Sat10pmUruguay 2South Korea 1
Jun 27, Sun2.30amUSA 1Ghana 2
Jun 27, Sun10pmGermany 4England 1
Jun 28, Mon2.30amArgentina 3Mexico 1
Jun 28, Mon10pmHolland 2Slovakia 1
Jun 29, Tue2.30amBrazil 3Chile 0
Jun 29, Tue10pmParaguay 0 (5)Japan 0 (3)
Jun 30, Wed2.30amSpain 1Portugal 0

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

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