The linesman who failed to see Frank Lampard's strike against Germany cross the line has admitted the speed of the shot caught him off guard.
Lampard's effort hit the woodwork and bounced over the line, but the goal was not given as Uruguayan official Mauricio Espinosa did not see the ball cross the line.
At the time England were trailing 2-1 and had the goal been given they would have gone in level at the break. However, instead the Germans went on to win 4-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Espinosa has admitted that it was not until after the match that he saw a replay of the incident, but he insists it could have happened to any official.
"It was a very fast shot that I did not see properly, even though I was located in the right place," the official told El Pais.
"We didn't see a replay in the dressing room at half-time but you could sense what had happened.
"It was only when we saw the TV that we realised what happened.
"I feel quite sad about it because we had prepared for such a long time for the World Cup.
"It could have happened to anyone, unfortunately it was us. You just have to accept it. Life goes on."