Hawarden's greatest footballing hero seemed to have clinched England's place in the semi-finals after a 23rd minute early goal but Brazil - down to 10 men for the last quarter - came back to win 2-1.

Being Welsh, I'm a Welsh supporter, however being in this area it's very culturally English and Michael chose to play for England as maybe a lot of children in this area would because they were born in Chester

Head teacher Hugh Dodd

Pupils at Rector Drew Primary School came in early to watch their most famous ex-pupil's attempt to topple the tournament favourites.

Deputy head teacher Hugh Dodd said he was emotionally torn by the success of the player born in England but who has lived all his life in Wales.

"Being Welsh, I'm a Welsh supporter, however being in this area it's very culturally English and Michael chose to play for England as maybe a lot of children in this area would because they were born in Chester," he said.

He added: "When Michael scored that goal against Argentina four years ago it was the first time I jumped out of my seat to support England because I'm following him."

Mr Dodd taught the 22-year-old Liverpool striker during his first year at the school.

"When I came here and saw him playing football you could tell straight away he was a wonderful footballer as well as an athlete.

Michael Owen put England ahead against Brazil

"He had so much natural talent you knew he was going to be a professional footballer.

"I didn't think he'd be playing in a World Cup at the age of 18 but he had the makings of a professional footballer even at nine years of age.

"The last time I saw Michael was when he came to the school three years ago to do a book promotion."

Youngsters at the school - like millions around the UK - watched the game patiently on a projector screen but 10-year-old Matthew Adams said he was disappointed with the result.

"It was really exciting, I came in early to watch it, it was really good.

"We could have won, it makes me feel proud that Michael came to our school because some of the teachers know him and Mr Dodd taught him in the football team."

England flags were flying in Hawarden

The school's own team's football captain James Edwards said he enjoyed coming into school early: "It was projected and we were at the back because we are year six with everyone around us.

The soccer star has recently bought Lower Soughton Hall outside Mold and is frequently seen locally.

"I've seen him quite a few times driving past in his car and walking his dog," said James.

Deputy head Hugh Dodd had only praise for Owen's performance against Brazil.

"It was a typical Michael Owen goal - from the age of nine he couldn't stop scoring goals.

Mr Dodd has kept Owen's school football shirt

Televising the game was important for the local community in Hawarden, said Mr Dodd.

"Michael's a local lad and a lot of people know him and they're proud that he came to this school.

"Until recently quite a few of the children lived near him on his street or on the same estate where his mother and father and the rest of the family live."

"They know him, he goes to the local pub where their fathers go to, and everyone knows of him."