Germany 4, England 1, Germany, and Referee, Leave England Speechless

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — The Germans power on, but the English become the third of Europe’s big five soccer nations to depart the World Cup woefully short of living up to their billing.

Germany thrashed England, 4-1, here on Sunday. The score leaves little room for equivocation or excuse. Yet there was one: Before halftime, with Germany ahead, 2-1, and England seemingly in the ascendancy, the referee ruled out a clear tying goal. .... Germany, and Referee, Leave England Speechless

Interactive Feature: 2010 World Cup Rankings