World Cup 2006, Germany

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Among a Sea of Flags

Goose bumps cover my skin as I stand in a crowd of 20000 passionate football fans singing the German national anthem. Minutes later Germany scores a goal versus Sweden and euphoria erupts. German flags wave as far as the eye can see, cheers almost deafen my ears and the energy is so intense one can almost feel an electrical current. For an encore, only five minutes later Germany scores another goal for the 2:0 lead vs. Sweden and from that point one the longest night of the summer has begun in Germany. For the rest of the night, cars are honking, flags being waved, fans singing, drinking and celebrating.

This is one of many memorable experiences I have had during the World Cup 2006 in my home country Germany. But most notably, when I returned to Germany one month ago I returned to experience a different country, a different Germany from the one I knew. Never before have I seen Germany like this. A country that often can be sober, serious and not rarely is consumed in (self) criticism, is hard to recognize. It feels as if the soul of the entire country has been lifted and people have been able to lay aside their worrying and complaining personalities and rejoice in a festive and joyful celebration.

The streets are filled with people, Germany as well as international fans from all over the world. Never have I seen so much life, so much vibrancy in the streets of Germany. Every night, somewhere in town a party is being hosted. The ubiquitous big screens fill the cities and attract huge crowds of people. Most importantly, the atmosphere seems peaceful and friendly rather than antagonistic. One scene in particular comes to mind: Together with some Mexican visitors (we are all dressing in Mexican football jerseys) we walk through a city square shortly after the 6:0 victory of Argentina vs. Serbia & Montenegro. A group of flag-waving Serbia fans approaches. Despite the embarrassing defeat, the are cheering and singing. Shortly thereafter, another sizable group of Argentina fans enters the square matching the Serbs both in volume of cheers and apparently also in alcohol consumed. For a moment I worry about the possibility of this encounter turning unpleasant. But as soon as the Serbian fans spot the Argentines they immediately change the chant to: “Argentina.” The two groups merge and start dancing together. What a beautiful sight: Fans rejoicing in their opponent's victory. Some time later the crowd spots us, a small group of Mexican fans and once again changes the chant to: "Mexico." Certainly, this story might be brushed away as one isolated incidence, but it is only one of many that I have experienced and has given this World Cup and my country a glow of friendship.