Frank outtalked Ballack

1st half

The Croatians were smarter. They kept their mouths shut and concentrated on their play: they were the better team.
Both bookings for the Croatian players in the first half were correct. Ballack deserved at least one booking for continuous complaining.

2

In the second half Podolski deserved a yellow booking for kicking a Croatian player three times in a minute. Frank stuck to his talking habit, telling players to behave themselves. His work in the first half paid off. The Germans stopped protesting, although Ballack got himself booked when he tried to saw a leg off from a Czech player in a act of stupid frustration .

Extra

There were a couple a minor things Frank missed, but he noticed the most important fouls. I like his style. He is always near the action and always trying to keep the game at pace. He warns players. There is no doubt about his authority, he is experienced. In extra time late emotions caused Schweinsteiger a red card. It was sad to watch things go out of hand again. There was no other decision possible for Schweinsteigers useless attack. A couple of yellows for both teams followed. The Germans were not playing as a team. The Croatians deserved this win.