Many times I have left football grounds disappointed, hopes dashed and Saturday nights ruined, writes Paul Giess.

Just when you think you have seen it all however something comes along to take the despair to a whole new level. This weekend’s shambles at Cape Town Stadium surely is as low as it can get . . . isn’t it?

Forget disappointment this was a game that left everyone in red and white literally shaking with anger and it is an anger that is not diminishing several days later. As a lucky resident I spent the equivalent of 15 quid to travel to and get into this match. For a World Cup fixture it is the bargain of a lifetime or at least should be. I feel this inept and passionless side has cheated me out of every last Rand from my pocket.

As for the numerous fans we met on the impressive fan walk from city centre to the ground my heart goes out to them. We met a taxi driver who had sold his car to buy tickets, builders who had saved up for years despite little or no work throughout the recession and a couple just arrived after taking a marathon flight via Qatar and Nairobi to save a few quid on flight tickets.

At least they were entertained by the music and carnival atmosphere in Cape Town and the weather has been perfect for visiting Robben Island and the Table Mountain chair lift. The football match, as the whole world saw, was largely a waste of an evening.

Cape Town’s hotels and bars had the best few days of the tournament so far as England has brought many more fans than other countries. Maybe as much as 80% of the stadium was red and white on Friday night. It is a far better support than such an underperforming side really deserves and Wayne Rooney would do well to realize this and accept the fans anger instead of criticizing.

Once again the stadium and Cape Town itself were amazing and the England fans magnificent. The only plus point from all this is that if they can scrape into second place in group C the draw then places England at sea level again for two of the knockout rounds.

The quarter final in the unlikely event that this side can get there would be in Cape Town. If they can muster the spirit of the Italia 90 side to qualify from a similar poor position then here in Cape Town we may just get a chance to see if they can redeem this dreadful performance.