Nothing should obscure the fact that the Germans did very well. They had no outstanding players apart from Ballack - and he did not look to be in top form. They took a group of reasonable players and they played together very well, doing much better than even their own supporters had expected. Germany has been and excellent host for this tournament and their team has got the whole country behind it. They lost to more talented footballers and there is no shame in that. For the Germans the party is over. It was one hell of a party though and it was a very inclusive one, with many people made very welcome from all over the world. The atmosphere has been really terrific.