The failure by Uruguayan officials to award England a valid goal in their World Cup last-16 clash with Germany yesterday has been described as a "gross error" by a newspaper column in the South American country.

Referee Jorge Larrionda and his assistant Mauricio Espinosa failed to see that a shot from England midfielder Frank Lampard had crossed the goalline after hitting the underside of the crossbar, before the spin on the ball took it back into the hands of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The non-award of the goal meant England trailed 2-1 at half-time and ultimately lost the game 4-1. It has heightened calls for video technology, or some form of extra assistance at least, to be made available to officials.

Diego Perez, a columnist in Uruguayan newspaper El Pais, said: "This could be defined as a gross error made by the group of officials, led by Jorge Larrionda. It's a shame because the pictures went around the world in seconds and all the good that had been done by the trio up to that moment has been knocked down by that fateful moment.

"The mistake yesterday was very serious. No matter that the match has ended in a landslide. It is certain that this trio will leave South Africa because Uruguay is among the eight teams still fighting for the title, but it was not the way they deserved to go."

In reference to how far the ball was over the line, Perez added: "They are 80 centimetres which will forever be part of the black history of the World Cup.

"It was in the midst of a major England attack after losing 2-0 to Germany. With all due respect, it was not in a cup match between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, it was in the second round of a World Cup and a match between two (former) champions. So the issue will not go away within hours."