ENGLAND fans were left holding their heads in their hands today when their dreams of lifting the World Cup in Japan were shattered by a bizarre goal.

In pubs, workplaces and homes across the nation, supporters were coming to terms with the nation's cruel exit.

A free kick from Ronaldinho eluded England goalkeeper David Seaman and gave Brazil a 2-1 quarter-final victory.

It had all started so well for Sven Goran Eriksson's men when Michael Owen gave England the lead.

But goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldinho either side of half-time broke English hearts.

Ronaldinho was later sent off for a studs-high challenge on Danny Mills, but England were unable to make their extra man advantage count.

The scenes at the final whistle were in startling contrast to those at the start of the day when expectations had been riding high.

Dozens of pubs across the York area enjoyed a brisk trade.

Micklegate was awash this morning with England fans in Beckham wigs, Seaman pony tails and painted faces and flags.

Queues formed outside pubs including The Windmill, Harry's Bar and the Phalanx and Firkin, as supporters clamoured to get the best view.

In the Phalanx and Firkin pub, rail engineer Harry Owen, 37, from Huntington, said: "The song (Three Lions) encapsulates it, 30 years of hurt.

"I was still pleased though. We are a young team and they have done really well. They will get other chances. It's been a really fantastic World Cup."

Phil Bootham, 28, who was on flexi-time from Norwich Union, said: "I was desperate for people to stop talking about 1966. I want other achievements to celebrate.

"I feel proud of the team and how far they got. There is no shame in losing to Brazil."

Landlady Amanda Hamill said: "I'm from Ireland so I've already had my sadness. From a business point of view I've done well out of the World Cup."

City centre streets slowly refilled with people after the defeat.

Even shoppers who had taken advantage of virtually empty stores had not been able to resist watching televisions in shop windows dotted around the city.

Workers who had gathered around televisions and radios in shops, cafs and restaurants reluctantly returned to work.

Market stall holder Gary Hayes said it was a disappointment to lose, but he was proud of what the England players had achieved.

Fans watching the match at the Royal Oak, Malton, were equally disappointed.

Licensee Ros Braithwaite said many punters left the pub before the end of the game.

She said: "We started off hopefully when we got the goal and it was just fantastic, but it's all gone. We really thought we had a chance, it's so upsetting."

Football fan John Cowling had just finished his night shift at a foundry to get to the pub for the match.

He said: "Everyone was fairly confident, but there was disbelief at the second goal. It was just a stupid mistake."

Updated: 11:23 Friday, June 21, 2002