Yes, Michael Ballack played. He came on at half-time to add a youthful spark for the aging John Obi Mikel. But Ballack was a bad boy. In the 72nd minute, when Boateng saw acres of sideline, Ballack laid down to commit the softest of fouls.
A yellow card for snuffing out a counter? No. There is no card for subtle, malevolent cunning. But should there be?