England's campaign team knew the game was up

But in the third and final ballot, Germany claimed 12 votes, with South Africa receiving 11. There was one abstention.

"It was the closest it could possibly be," said Blatter, who has been an outspoken advocate of the South African bid.

It will be the 10th time football's showpiece tournament will be held in Europe. It has never been staged in Africa.

England mustered five of the 24 first round votes - but in the second stage of the ballot, with Morocco out of the race, the English bid managed just two votes.

Cameroon soccer star Roger Milla helped South Africa's campaign

"We are very, very happy," said Beckenbauer adding that the bid had "a little luck".

England's first-round support is understood to have come from Scotland's David Will as well as Charles Dempsey of New Zealand and the three Central American representatives.

Will is thought to have then switched allegiance to Germany, with Dempsey choosing not to vote in the final round.

Sir Geoff Hurst, who was at the core of England's bid, admitted his disappointment.

"I think by the very nature of this process and the campaign, today was going to be a fantastic one for our country and our bid team, or a hugely disappointing one...and that's what has happened.

"It's hard to assess how Germany have done it, but congratulations to them.

"We all know they will provide a great World Cup in 2006 because they are a major footballing power."