1966 in reverse: Frank Lampard’s shot crosses the goal line but no goal is awarded

1966 in reverse as England not awarded goal

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — England midfielder Frank Lampard had a shot cross the goal line Sunday in a 4-1 World Cup loss to Germany, but referee Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay did not award a goal.

With England trailing 2-1 in the first half of the second-round game, Lampard’s shot from just outside the area hit the crossbar and bounced down. Replays showed the ball had crossed the goal line. After landing inside the goal, the ball spun back and was collected by 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.

FIFA said in a statement that it “will not make any comments on decisions of the referee on the field of play.”

Soccer’s rules-making panel agreed last March not to pursue experiments with technology that could help referees judge goal-line decisions.

The moment recalled a famously controversial goal from the 1966 World Cup final between England and Germany.

In that game, England and Germany were tied at 2-2 in extra time 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.