It would have been closer than the 2-0 final had Sweden’s Larsson not lofted his undeserved penalty kick into the stratosphere. Of course it would have been more of a blow if Ballack had made even one of his half dozen shots on goal. As it stood, Germany put this one away early and encountered no difficulties—especially once Sweden was reduced to 10 men for a couple of harsh yellows on one guy.
Germany looks very difficult to beat, and I suspect that the game of the tourney will be in the next round where I anticipate they will meet Argentina.