A Day of Joy

Germany advances to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

I have to admit - when it comes to soccer, I feel a patriotic attachment to Germany...

BTW, it should be noted that Germany's coach Klinsmann lives in California. He has introduced American style training methods to the German squad, and was harshly criticized for it by the German media (and even by Franz Beckenbauer, Germany's popular former head coach).

I'm glad he stuck to his convictions!

Comments

[Mike H.]

What? That's unconscionable, feeling well disposed toward your team. We have to nip this patriotism virus in the bud as soon as possible before everyone is infected! /fun

[hilario]

This makes me remember former national team member and ARD expert Günther Netzer's words that in germany there are good fitness trainer, aswell (when he got to know that Klinsmann engaged an american fitness trainer)

[James]

Good for the Germans! I live in Munich and it's a huge party going on now, music, singing, car horns, etc.

After having been in GY for the last 10 years, this is the most German flags I've ever seen here. I think that finally, to be a German Soccer supporter waving your flag is distancing itself with the complicated issue of nationalism put to bed in 1945.

Berlin! Berlin! Wir fahren nach Berlin!

[Jesse]

Was never even remotely worried during the game.
Ok maybe just a little bit...but just the tiniest bit mind you.

[Paolo]

Oh, that's all right. We're going to slaughter you in the semi, and the final will be another Italy vs.Brazil, and may the best team win. Seriously, I would not so much regret it if Italy lost - for the sake of my several wonderful German friends - but it would delight me to see what may be called the Achim Achilles tendency reacting to a defeat.

[German.Will]

Soccer is the only thing I feel German about. I hope we win.

[German.Will]

@Paolo, may the best team win ? But Australia is already out !

[Motorhead]

Looks like "Der Spiegel" is now Italy bashing:

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5746872

Where's Berlusconi when you need him?!?

[Don Miguel]

I see that Der Spiegel apologies and pulls the story after Italians complain. Funny how that doesn't work for everyone.

[Jesse]

@ Don -
I'm sure Italians are more likely to read the German version of Spiegel though or at least be more on the lookout than the average American - so a whole lot more people probably complained - plus, it's World Cup stuff - these kinds of things are taken seriously ...

-

Heard there was almost a full-out brawl after the Argentina match btw.
And Brazil is out. Who would have guessed that?

[Dave]

It is a european championship now - Portugal, France, Italy and Germany. Is there an expert on world cup history here? Did this happen before?

Note from David: 1982 was the last time when four European countries made it to the semi-finals: Italy, Germany, Poland and France.

[J.T.]

I think the final will bei Germany vs. Portugal and then after beating heavy weights like Argentina and Italy Germans will underestimate the Portugese, who are viewed somewhat as an outsider and overestimate their own skills. They will lose to Portugal in a penalty shootout.

Hope I'm wrong.

[Don Miguel]

@Jesse

There are more than enough Americans that read Der Spiegel. Do you really believe they give a damn about what Americans think?

[Dave]

Thx for the Info David - so it was almost the same constellation in 1982. Hopefully, it will turn out differently :)

[German.Will]

@Don Miguel,
they do to a certain extent. That's why they keep most of their lies out of the English translation.