German Soccer

When the German national team takes the field, all of Germany lights up the television screen in hopes that their county can retain their status top team in the world. German soccer has been overshadowed by the heartbreaking losses in the final stages of world play over the last decade.  In each of the last three world cups Germany has made it in to the semifinals before being beaten by either themselves or an inferior soccer nation. In the last two European Championships, the Germans have made it to the finals and semifinals respectively only to have their hopes dashed by the Spanish and Italians.

                Although championships have eluded them in recent year’s fans still go crazy for their beloved team. Germans were always known as the country for stressing over the game until the final tally was official, drinking a few beers and hitting the hay. Now, they're donning silly wigs, draping the bonnets of their BMWs in German flags and racing through town at high speed chanting "Deutschland" into the early hours.

Hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets of German cities after their national team’s matches during the night draped in their national colors, whooping, cheering, hugging each other and honking their car horns to celebrate their teams. But few could have believed that their team either warranted that kind of reaction or has much chance of winning the next match because of recent failure in later rounds of world events.

In recent years Germany has evolved into a country that parties all night as fans paint the city in support of German victory over their foes. Fans congregate in the nearest city for “Carnival.”  The carnival atmosphere has been completed by a new wave of football fancy dress consisting not just of team shirts but of black, red and gold feathery garlands worn around the neck along with face paint and funny glasses.

                Similar to an American city after their team wins a major championship. All of Germany rushes to party the night away as a result of a German win in pool play during the world cup. Recently to enhance the experience Berlin puts televisions throughout the city in order to create a fan friendly experience. Each match is like the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl happens about five times a year in Germany on a down year.

                Next week we will look at Mexico as we travel outside of Europe to North America. The Mexicans have a variety of unique traditions that separate themselves from the rest of the world. They have a rich history in soccer that hasn't necessarily led to world dominance but to love of the game.