It's going to be okay Bastian

For someone who has played in two World Cup semifinals, to have come this close and yet just to fail and see defeat again, it must be a truly agonizing experience. To be someone who also played against the Spain in the Euro 2008 finals, experiencing the same 1-0 loss must be heartbreaking beyond words. 

As I watched Bastian Schweinsteiger pour out his emotions, I felt for him because Germany lost to Spain not only because of Puyol's fantastic header at the 75th minute, but also because it lost its midfield prowess that was so threatening to England and Argentina. Spain had three times the number of attempts at goal than Germany and had dominated the possessions early in the match. Somehow Germany lost the ferocity we saw against Argentina and seemed content to soak up the pressure. The second half was more of the same except that Puyol came unnoticed from behind to head that ball past Neuer's hands. It was not poor defending; Germany had defended solidly. It was a brilliant break for Spain who never stopped trying. 

What failed Germany was it didn't get enough tries. It couldn't penetrate through Casillas' penalty box. Klose and Podolski are excellent strikers and the midfield was good, but they knew they had to be spectacular to win. Khedira, Ozil and expecially Schweinsteiger were unbelievable against Argentina. That didn't happen this time. Schweinsteiger couldn't leave the pitch not because he cursed himself for playing badly. He played well, but he just didn't perform beyond expectations.

It's going to be okay Bastian. I just wished this summer's German fairy tale had continued.