Germany went two up in the first half through Miroslav Klose in the 20th minute and Lukas Podolski in the 32nd as their speedy attack exposed England's ponderous defense.

But England fought back superbly, Matthew Upson pulling one back in the 37th, and appeared to have equalized just a minute later when a Frank Lampard shot hit the crossbar and clearly crossed the line — but the goal was not given.

As England pushed forward in the second half, Germany's fast-raiding attackers killed them off with two breakaway goals in three minutes from Mueller in the 67th and 70th.

In the quarter-finals Germany will play the winner of the Argentina v Mexico second round match later on Sunday in Johannesburg.