Indeed. In all prior matches in the tournament, both teams 'excelled' in wasting a lot of chances yet still pulling through. But yesterday, Balotelli found his killer instinct again, while striker Gomez, winger Podolski (who seemed to play more like in a striker position), wingback Lahm, and the previously impressive fullback Hummels brought their C game. Especially surprising in the case of the last two: Balotelli's first goal was partly Hummels's fault for turning away from Cassano, the second goal was partly Lahm's fault, and both failed to score themselves twice. Why the playmakers weren't the decisive factor: as I expected, Pirlo seemed contained for most of the game (though when Özil himself came up against him he usually lost), but Balotelli was served by a cross from fellow striker Cassano and then the other central midfielder Montolivo; while Özil could do his passes, often well combined with Khedira, but found no in-form receiver. As for the defenders: on both sides, they often ended up in a strike situation and mis-fired (I mentioned Lahm and Hummels, but IIRC Balzaretti and Barzagli too).

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}