Michael Ballack's crucial role in Germany's impressive performance
  against the Netherlands made him Carlsberg Man of the Match.

  Tireless work
Ballack was given the task of supporting striker Kevin Kuranyi,
and proved more than up to the task. He worked tirelessly,
played some useful balls, and tracked back to deny the Netherlands
 midfield space.

 Key player
Germany were tipped by some to crumble against the Dutch,
just as they were not expected to figure at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
That they reached the final in Korea/Japan, and came close to victory today,
was down more than anyone to Ballack.