Germany captain Michael Ballack was quick to admit that Italy had deserved their dramatic World Cup semi-final victory.

The Azzurri defeated the hosts 2-0 in Dortmund thanks to a 119th-minute strike from Fabio Grosso and an Alessandro Del Piero goal in the final minute of extra-time.

The defeat was particularly tough for Ballack to take, as he missed the 2002 final against Brazil through suspension.

"It just is not meant to be for me," said the Chelsea midfielder.

"It is very bitter for us to get eliminated like this, one minute from time. It is bitter but not undeserved.

"We started out rather slowly but did a much better job in the second half.

"The game was well-balanced. The Italians had the better chances in extra-time as they hit woodwork twice. But we also had some good opportunities afterwards, with the header (from Lukas Podolski)."