Total silence fell over drinkers in Norwich's pubs when England lost on penalties to Portugal in the World Cup Quarter Finals on Saturday.Drinkers in Le Rouen pub in Farmers Avenue held their heads in their hands as England exited another major football tournament on penalties.

Total silence fell over drinkers in Norwich's pubs when England lost on penalties to Portugal in the World Cup Quarter Finals on Saturday.

Drinkers in Le Rouen pub in Farmers Avenue held their heads in their hands as England exited another major football tournament on penalties.

The evening had started with drinkers convinced England would overcome Portugal to make it through to the semi-finals.

Fans packed out the Bell pub in Orford Hill but the atmosphere was tense and subdued to begin with as everyone waited for a goal.

Anneka Hatch, 20, a student from Neville Close, in Sprowston, said she thought England would win. “They have been playing really well so far. I think they have got a good chance.”

A the Woolpack Inn in Golden Ball Street, the atmosphere was also tense.

Maureen Redshaw, 51, barmaid at the Woolpack, said: “I am not impressed. England needs to attack more. But I am still optimistic we will win.

Then 62 minutes into the game came the moment which broke the hearts of the nation -Wayne Rooney was sent off. But that changed the mood and supporters really got behind their team.

By extra time the crowd was agitated and was cheering for former Norwich City loan star Peter Crouch to score.

The pub fell silent when Portugal scored their first penalty but went crazy when Owen Hargreaves netted and two Portugal players missed.

But the penalty kick curse struck again and England crashed out.

John Clarke, 44, a bank manager from Chapel Lane, Wymondham, said: “I can't believe it's happened. We always lose on penalties.”

Police and ambulance crews dealt with large numbers of calls during and after England's defeat.

The ambulance service dealt with 938 calls on Saturday in East Anglia and took over 300 people to hospital.

An ambulance spokesman said: “We were exceptionally busy with emergency calls and the number of assaults increased after the World Cup started. ”

Norfolk police dealt with 1,200 incidents on Saturday alone although Inspector Bob Eagleton said police dealt with no more than the usual number of incidents on a hot summer night.

If you are the lucky fan circled in our picture the Evening News there is a glimmer of good news. You have won an 18-pint Woodforde's Beerbox of the football beer First Touch to help drown your sorrows.

To claim your prize telephone Charlie Papworth on 01603 772251. You will need to provide proof of age to claim your prize.