A tearful Michael Ballack claimed "it just isn't meant to be" for him to play in a World Cup final after Italy clinched an epic semi-final victory over Germany in Dortmund.
Four years after the Chelsea signing missed out on Germany's 2-0 loss to Brazil by being banned, extra-time goals by Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero ended his dreams this time.
The 29-year-old commented: "It is very bitter for us to get eliminated like this, one minute from time. It is bitter but not undeserved."