Less than a month before Michael Ballack was due to lead his country into the World Cup, his tournament, and possibly his international career, came to an end.

Germany’s captain was hurt when tackled by a Portsmouth player in the English F.A. Cup final, which he started for Chelsea last Saturday, and a medical scan on Monday confirmed that a ligament in his right ankle was torn. Ballack called the damage from the tackle by Kevin-Prince Boateng “clearly intentional.” Video evidence offers strong credence to that view.

The replays also show there was a measure of provocation by Ballack moments earlier, when he kicked Boateng and aimed a hand at his cheekbone.

The biter bit, say some critics of Ballack. Karma is suggested by others.

Only Boateng knows what he intended with his foul from behind on Ballack. He may never tell, although some Portsmouth teammates say Boateng, who also missed a penalty kick that would have given Portsmouth the lead, was in tears in the locker room after the final, which Chelsea won by the only goal.