- 25 Jun 08, 11:55 PM
Basel
It just gets better and better. Are there any limits to the joy, skill, exhilaration and drama that Euro 2008 can serve up?
Wednesday's semi-final at St Jakob-Park was a stone-cold classic. Let's start by applauding Turkey.
I didn't have particularly high expectations of Fatih Terim's team prior to the start of the tournament, but they enriched the competition with three moments of pure footballing theatre. Their late goals against Switzerland, Czech Republic and Croatia were the type that haul you off the sofa with such spontaneous abandon that the popcorn and beer ends up all over the missus.
They almost did it again in the semi-final against the Germans, delivering a performance to warm the soul. So rich in passion, endeavour and belief - it made a nonsense of the catalogue of injury and suspensions that so limited the options of Terim.
Greece might have given us the ultimate footballing fairytale by winning Euro 2004, but they won all their knockout games 1-0 with a style of play that asphyxiated opponents.
While Turkey have fallen short of matching Greece's achievement, for my money they have given us so much more than Otto Rehhagel's outfit. For one brief moment, it looked as though lightning would strike for a fourth time when Semih Senturk equalised so late on after Miroslav Klose's header appeared to have sealed a final berth for the pre-match favourites.
That Phillip Lahm delivered Turkey a most cruel taste of their own medicine can in no way detract from what the men from the far corner of Europe have given us here in Switzerland. People talk about a lack of passion from over-paid players who no longer show enough pride in the national shirt. Show me a Turk who could be accused of that?
The Turkish journalist sat to my left in the press box embodied everything about the team he supports. Despite disappearing after five minutes for a hot dog, a cigarette shortly after that and conducting more phone calls during 90 minutes than I manage in a week, he nonetheless belted out the national anthem to the amusement of all around him, screamed and shouted his way through the match and pulled off a decent impression of a whirling dervish each time his team scored.
And what of the Germans? Joachim Loew's team were poor in the group stage, largely excellent against Portugal in their quarter-final victory and, in many ways, fortunate against Turkey.
They may have gone one better than their semi-final exit in the last World Cup, but their play was ragged against a decimated Turkish side, with possession squandered often and needlessly, while their defensive unit creaked disturbingly.
Bastian Schweinsteiger attempted a regulation pass to Thomas Hitzlsperger after 12 minutes. He missed his short-range target by yards and within a minute the impressive Colin Kazim-Richards had struck Jens Lehmann's crossbar.
Germany improved after the break, but Loew's team may find such errors prove costly when they meet either Russia or Spain in Sunday's final. Goalkeeper Lehmann looks shaky and was, at best, partially to blame as Turkey took the lead through Ugur Boral. Yet the Germans demonstrated once again their mental strength and should never be underestimated.
Afterwards, they celebrated in front of their fans in a manner that has now become their signature celebration - all in a line, arms up, arms down, standing up, sitting down, as their supporters lead them along in song.
The way I think about Germans changed forever at the 2006 World Cup. I think it was a watershed experience, not just for me but also for the German people. They embraced their national team with a pride and enthusiasm that suggested a modern, mature Germany free from the baggage of their past.
The atmosphere in Basel, populated by thousands of Turks and Germans, certainly seemed very amiable. Jokes were exchanged, songs sung (I'm blaming the Germans for the fact that 'We Will Rock You' was blaring out all over the place) and all were united in their desire to beat a retreat from the broiling temperatures.
The match itself showed signs of boiling over at times as the tension increased, but there was a wonderful moment immediately after the match ended. Lukas Podolski headed straight over to Bayern Munich team-mate Hamit Altintop and spent several minutes comforting the Turkey player. It spoke volumes about the manner in which this tournament has been played.
The crying shame of it all is that the Euro 2008 adventure is all over for Switzerland and there are only two games left to savour.
I have always believed, though, that quality matters more than quantity. And if the remaining fixtures match the events here in Basel on Wednesday, then this footballing spectacle will have the fitting end that is so desperately deserves.
All roads now lead to Vienna.
BBC Sport Euro 2008
Who are you supporting in Austria and Switzerland? Share your thoughts on all things Euro 2008 with our BBC Sport experts.
Fletch's view of Euro 2008
Recent Comments
- vikrulz on You Are The Ref #13
- vikrulz on You Are The Ref #13
- swampeemarsh on You Are The Ref #13
- BlueStarIT on You Are The Ref #13
- goalie_up_front on You Are The Ref #13
Teams
Latest Photos
Clicking on any of these photos will take you to an external site.
Podcast
Download or subscribe to this programme's podcast
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Comments
First of all, congratulations to the Turkish team for their brilliant performance last night. They deserved to win.
However, what you and other (British) commentators call luck explains only a small percentage of last nights result. It was not luck, it was team spirit and determination that laid the foundation for this victory.
Germany now plays its eleventh finals since 1966. Excuse me, how many did England play since then? The German team never let us down. It is pure nonsense that 2006 changed the relation between the team and the fans. We worshipped them always and we will continue to do so.
Your and many other English comments are nurrished by envy. You will never understand why Germany wins games like the one last night and why England fails to deliver when it really counts. (You still celebrate the 5:1 in Munich, do you?)
See you in South Africa 2010...
Complain about this comment
Dear Paul, dear "Tommies",
let me quickly explain the above mentioned celebration song to you. The lines go: "So gehen die Deutschen, die Deutschen die gehen so (hands up), so gehen die Türken (replace by Russen or Spanier for Sunday), die Türgen die gehen so (hands down)".
Briefly: The German go hands up... the others(...) go hands down... - I've seen it here in Cologne again yesterday; it's really funny. I wonder where the melody is from though.
BR
Complain about this comment
I agree and disagree with LastGoalInWembley...
In 2006, I was in London throughout the world cup and unfortunately due to a death in the family, I had to go to Germany for the funeral on the weekend of the 3rd / 4th place match and world cup final...
As airline tickets were still astronomical in price, I had to drive to Germany and I can distinctively remember that driving through Holland and Belgium, the roads were just normal, but as soon as I hit the German border I was bombarded by cars with their German flags flying - the signposts to fan zones and congregational areas where football fans of the world could assemble. This is like nothing I had ever seen before.
LastGoalInWembley - You are right that the German fans are always worshiping the "Nationalelf" but not with the flag flying as high and mighty as before. The fans grew together in 2006 with a sense of pride which will take a lot to be taken from them. The German flags flying in stadia around the world was a sight that one could only see pre 1950 - and now it is a normality - quite natural.
Yesterday night I went for a beer with my Brazilian flatmates and a very clever young English guy decided to remind me of the world war to which I reminded him that it had nothing to do with me (quite rightly so), so thus he continued to try to get a rise out of me. Had I had my German flag with me, I would have made him kiss it, as I will not stand for anyone to persecute me for something I never did.
The pride in Germany is something that has started to grow again and I will (personally) not let it be taken from me anymore... and I think that that goes for saying with most of the new generation of Germans.
As for yesterday - poor performance but still another final - and bring on the next challenge... because that is all it is - a challenge for the Germans.... if we fail, we brush ourselves down and focus on the next one.... not linger and ask of "Why can't we do it since 1966?"
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Ihr habt alle Teilweise recht Jungs.
Lass uns nicht beschwerden, Hauptsche, Fianle!
So sehen Sieger aus!
Great Blog Fletch and you'll be pleased to know that, at least where I live (where 25% of the population are ethnic Turks), there was no violence at all following the game. Perhaps Michael Ballack and Recber Rüstü's messages got accross to the fans or perhaps, our fears were unfounded.
Instead of violence, there was the traditional cleebration fo people driving around in their cars beeping their horns with people hanging out the windows and sunroofs. And it wasn't just Germans as well, I saw several cars waving Turkish flags - and rightly so - in recognition of the teams remarkable achievement.
As the old addage goes, never write off the Germans.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
stormsisl,
thanks for your posting. thought only Germans here.
Complain about this comment
Was the last goal in Wembley not scored by Don Hutchison?
Complain about this comment
Congratulation to Germany for reaching the final.Also, congratulations to turkey for making it such a memorable semi final. It was not to be and Germany had that extra self belief that gets them through these games even though for me they are an average team. How do they do it I don´t know. Team spirit with a bit of skill please next time. Yes they will have trouble against Russia or Spain but don´t be surprised if they do it again and all of the football fans will be shaking their heads in disbelief at watching such a mediocre team get through and win again.
It´s not "neid". I´m just weary of it.
Once again congratulations Germany.
P.S. My wifes German and she´s gone through at least 5 sets of fingernails watching germany hobble through. so if your going to win for my sake make it 5-0 so I can enjoy it to.
Complain about this comment
LastGoalinWembley - I think you have missed something. Germany won last night with a huge slice of luck. If turkey hitting the cross bar twice isn't luck on your side I dont know what is. Team spirit and determination may be what takes this german team forward, but luck won you the game last night.
I agree with you that the english may still be celebrating victories of another generation, but the one thing you can not knock them for is their understanding of the game. I'm Irish so its not an everyday thing to defend the english! I live in Austria and have many interests in Germany but the general understanding of the game is missing here - so far I think my English cousins have provided a unbiased and honest coverage of the Euro's on this blog and on the site as a whole. I will not comment on the TV commentators though!!! (not that we get BBC over here of course as that could be illegal.....)
Complain about this comment
I dont know why people still have a problem with the Germans!its 3 generations ago!I don't see anyone going on about the armenian genocide, or croatia in the bosnian war!!British colonys all over the world: their behaviour in Ireland etc...get a grip!
Its football either see it as that or mention war crimes for every country that plays not just germany
Complain about this comment
friedbergdvah; noone in this comments except you mentioned such thing... Criticising gameplay is different from critising nations.
Complain about this comment
@chalobilly
You had your five goals last night. Is a 3:2 not more entertaining than a 5:0? Sorry about your weariness, get used to it. (:-)
Against Spain or Russia will be a different game. The current German team is much better against offensive sides which neither oponent in the finals will be. However, I fear the skills of the Russian manager more than the more predictable Spanish team.
@docblog
Thanks for your thoughts on luck. Again, luck is not the (main) answer. Not in a longterm view (11 finals since 1966) nor only yesterday. Who says that Germany could not have turned a two goal deficit? Show me a more efficient offense in this tournament...
@Hibee1985
The name refers to Dietmar Hamann's goal in 2000.
Quote from Wikipedia:
"His 30 yard free kick against England was the last goal at Wembley Stadium before it was rebuilt, and was also the winning goal in the 2002 World Cup qualifier."
Complain about this comment
The talked about "penalty", the first contact was made outside the penalty area, so technically it was a direct free kick. Debate ended. Going back to the suggestion of the performace of the referees, I would also like to see the BBC keep track of the "diving players" football seem to be popluated by. Also, my other gripe the football pudits on the BBC often get thier judgement wrong and you do have to wonder at tmes what match they are watching in the first place. I cannot believe sometimes from where I am sitting some hundreds miles away the pudits cannot see from a around the corner of the studio a player dive.
With that aside what happen the BBC lastnight with the power outage? Strange there no comment on the BBC website about this issue...
Complain about this comment
Correction:
Against Spain or Russia will be a different game. The current German team is much better against offensive sides which either oponent in the finals will be. However, I fear the skills of the Russian manager more than the more predictable Spanish team.
Complain about this comment
" largely excellent against Portugal "
Accuse of me of being a sore loser but I have to disagree with you. Germany rarely attacked and when they did they scored although our defence and keeper are to blame in one or two goals. We attacked all the time yet were not as efficient as the Germans. We would have won had we not committed so many schoolboy mistakes at the back. Germany were lucky our defence let us down thus helping them win. They won and fair enough because they took the few chances they had unlike us who had so many chances and only converted two of them. But the Germans were far from "largely excellent". Again the Germans were very efficient yesterday but only because of another schoolboy mistake by a keeper who clearly didn't learn anything from our defeat. Russia or Spain will give the Germans the toughest test of the tournament and then they are gonna lose. Hope it's Russia that goes all the way.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Calm down, boys, its a game! All neutral observers have been waiting for the type of game that sets pulses racing. This was a great end to a match, and Fletch's comments are from the point of view of a professional fan who watches the game for a living. THE GAME IS WHAT COUNTS, NOT NATIONAL HISTORY!
To pull a result from a contest that was headed for penalties is a great achievement regardless of the nations involved, and to extrapolate from one drunk in a flat somewhere, to the entire British population, is a grave mistake. Most Brits admire sporting determination and national pride. We aren't criticising German team songs, we're admiring (and secretly envious of) this type of celebration. This is so much better that snarling and fist waving at the crowd, so often seen in the English Premiership.
No real football fans care what happened at Wembley years ago, or anywhere else years ago, for that matter.. Its this game, and the next game, that count.
Fletch's comments about 2006 are based on observations that "germany" as a united country had come of age. Prior to this we spoke of former west, or former east Germany, and the way the re-unification had affected society, sport, commerce, the whole nine yards.
In the UK we can admire Schumacher's swagger, Becker's bravado, and I for one was delighted to see Angela Merkel getting into the game in a big way!
We've moved on, feel free to join us.
On Sunday, we'll be watching to see if the final will be a great game - possible against a Russian team who are playing for a nation, not a union of states. Two relatively young nations contesting a major final. May the best team win!
Complain about this comment
With that aside what happen the BBC lastnight with the power outage? Strange there no comment on the BBC website about this issue...
************************
I didn't watch the game but that was worldwide i.e. at the game itself.
BTW Didi Hamann may have scored the last goal in Wembley, I seem to remeber the return leg in Munich being a bit one-sided though :-)
Complain about this comment
In the UK we can admire Schumacher's swagger
-****************
That was no sportsman, what are german or summat, I think you should come over here and live in a major city for a year around a major football tournament, I think you might see things a bit differently.
You can't get away from German nationalism and the one-sided media unless you leave the country
Complain about this comment
You can stop taking my posts off as they are just a reflection of the state of things over here and are in no way objectionable unless you're a BBC moderator, and very very PC
Complain about this comment
They embraced their national team with a pride and enthusiasm that suggested a modern, mature Germany free from the baggage of their past
*************************************
That will have nowt to do with those right wing youth that were arrested last night then in WEST GERMANY.
I disagree that the "new" attitude to national pride is a normal one, it's overpowering and threatening.
I really miss the questioning nature of national pride in Germany, everyone is behind the national team, I can't imagine the whole country (England) uniting as Germany does.
BTW you don't have to watch the game to know what the score is when Germany play, if you live in a populated area, as soon as Germany score a goal a salvo of fireworks are left off.
If you can enjoy peace and quite for large periods of time you know that Germany aren't playing too well.
Not to mention the one sided media coverage, I don't call that a "new" attitude to national pride a rather frighteningly "old" attitude
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Lahm was just win the diving competition over Rivaldo now
Complain about this comment
to sparkyhendy (3.):
top comment, spot on, it's exactly what happened and what's going on...
to stormSiSL:
what a load of nonsense. it all comes back to the same thing, envy and jealousy. surely no english fan would mind england being in a final, no matter how well or poor they played... but as they always fail to get there all you do is criticize everyone else and Germany in particular... how clever.....talking about the ref, did he not fail to see a blatant foul on Lahm which should have been a penalty maybe but a freekick at least?
noone said we had a "great" team in Germany but it's nonsense to suggets that germany was "that" poor last night and turkey "that" great.. they were probably better on the whole but somehow not quite good enough to win...
to englandcomeon:
they may be your views (and you are entitled to them) but I'm afraid you got it very wrong. english nationalism is far bigger than germany's and I say that as someone who lives in england for the last 10 years.. to make a few idiots arrested last night the example for the country speaks volumes. the stats about last night were as follows: there were several million people on the streets in germany last night and total number of arrests was in the mid 20's, most of them for minor offences. most of them german, yes, but a few turks as well. yes, there were idiots in the eastern part of germany who tried to use the event for their nationalistic cr*p but the police dealt with them very swiftly.
to veescot: thanks
Complain about this comment
englandcomeon wrote:
I disagree that the "new" attitude to national pride is a normal one, it's overpowering and threatening.
I really miss the questioning nature of national pride in Germany, everyone is behind the national team, I can't imagine the whole country (England) uniting as Germany does.
[...]
Not to mention the one sided media coverage, I don't call that a "new" attitude to national pride a rather frighteningly "old" attitude
*************************
@englandcomeon
Do you live in Germany or have you had any other direct experiences you can base your feelings on, except the impressions you got from English tv? I don't think so ;-)
Btw, the national pride here in Germany mostly focuses on football and that's it. Why would we not support our team?
Complain about this comment
Turkey were indisputably unlucky last night against Germany but the reaction to the game from BBC summarisers and commentators was disgraceful. Endless jibes about lucky Germans, arrogant Germans (hang your head in shame Mr O'Neil) and mocking comments about a very ordinary team were at best misplaced and at worst xenophobic. To me Germany are like a boxer who only does enough to beat the opponent in front of him. The game is raised against higher calibre opposition and they do enough to get by against run of the mill teams.
BBC coverage of these finals has been unimpressive. The 4 chaps in a golf club cosiness of the studio team is outdated and their comments are smug, cliched and lacking in insight. And don't get me started about the hapless Ray Stubbs interviewing summarisers and commentators on the pitch. At least you used to be able have a laugh at Garth Crooks's verbosity. Time for a change BBC Sport. Maybe you could get them to watch your excellent Wimbledon team in action?
Complain about this comment
Do you live in Germany or have you had any other direct experiences you can base your feelings on, except the impressions you got from English tv? I don't think so ;-)
*******************
Yes I do live in Berlin as it happens son
+++++++++++++
english nationalism is far bigger than germany's and I say
---------------------------
I don't think so somehow, it is a phenomenon here you can only believe how far it goes here.
I can't imagine in my wildest dreams a German writing something like club before country, i.e. would rather Schalke do well stuff the national side, like many English do (e.g. Liverpool vs Eng) on 606.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I'd like to applaude Turkey on what a fantastic performance they put into their past 3 massive consecutive comeback games in Euro 2008, i mean how goddam exciting were they?!.. and whats more into this game against a poor, deflated and boring german side. turkey had huge hearts on the night, despite their numerous injuries and supsensions, and outplayed the germans from start to finish.
Well done to the germans who did score three pretty nice goals on the night. However Turkey should be a great inspiration to everyone to show what it means to play in your nation's shirt, under-dog or not. Again conratulations to them, they are certainly no underdogs any more, and I'm sure their exciting matches has won many new fans around the world. Hats off to the fortunate Germans, but Turkey, you guys should be in this sunday's final .
Complain about this comment
englancomeon:
why would you live in Germany if you seemingly don't like it and on top of that seem to be in fear of the apparent (at least to you) nationalism?
if you would know Germany better you'd understand that every kid still grows up (and has been for a good 40 years) learning about the dangers and pitfalls of nationalism. Germany is a country that has dealt with its past thoroughly and genuinely and that's the reason for the absence of any nationalism, flag waving etc for many years. as per sparkyhendy's comment (3.), it was during the world cup 2006 that germans for the first time as a whole allowed themselves to be proud again and show it by waving flags. nothign wrong with that. that's not dangerous nationalism, just a fact that most everyone enjoyed the hosting of the competition and the success of the previously unheralded side.
this started as a football blog here by the way and it is always the english who make it something else when it comes to germany and some other nations... i wonder why..
Complain about this comment
Dominoes and darts... Spot on about the panel. I usually like to watch the MOTD team, and like Linekar as a presenter, but they're maybe jaded after too many matches..........
What about Marcel Desailly as an anchor man for future tournaments. He is articulate, with better English than some panelists, and a recent working knowledge of the game.
In the Rugby World Cup / Six Nations there are pundits from the competing nations, who give good value for money, and a fresh perspective. There is no shortage of former, non UK, Premiership players who could give their views on international games.
Complain about this comment
ParsMacca69: u want to talk about british colonies now? or the turkish conflict with the kurds?
it's a shame, in recent years the attitude of many english has changed towards a more positive one to germany, realizing that the 2 countries probably have more in common than many others. and as always, sadly, there are those who bring up the same old stuff all over again...
Complain about this comment
Hey Bigfish73 - Firstly, I'm not English, and secondly I have nothing against Germans or any other nation. All I am saying is we forget history at our peril.
Good Luck against Russia in the final!
Complain about this comment
if you would know Germany better you'd understand that every kid still grows up (and has been for a good 40 years) learning about the dangers and pitfalls of nationalism. Germany is a country that has dealt with its past thoroughly and genuinely
**************************
I happen to disagree, firstly Fletcher is the one here trying to make everything sound hunky dory, not me.
That is my "beef" as the americans would say.
Thanks very much but I do understand Germany, I've lived here for 10 years nigh on.
How has the country dealt with it.
It was not discussed in East Germany that's for sure, discussion of any nature wasn't allowed there look at the result, in 1990 in Rostock, great Aufarbeitung that!
There has been overkill on the history front in the schools, and the kids just switch off.
As I say, I would be happy to ignore it all but you're not allowed to here, and as I there is virtually no discension in the ranks it's all drunken Deutschland Deutschland!
You just don't get everybody falling into line in the UK, which maybe isn't such a bad thing.
Complain about this comment
ok, misread your comments then ParsMacca69, sorry and thanks
Complain about this comment
Just wanted to say top blog and thanks for the report I missed the game last night and have been eagerly reading all the reports and comments about the game!
First of all: Veescot top post, you beat me to it.
To our German colleagues: I went to Germany in 2006 and was incredibly impressed by the way you have grown as a nation, started to play more attacking football and completely envious of you team's success.
I think England can learn a lot from the German 'winning' mentality and efficiency! I think we have to turn this 'jealously' into something positive not trying to snipe at the Germans for being lucky. It can't be just luck that gets them into so many finals! If I could play half-decent football I would concrete more on making the Germans jealous of our football and spend hours watching German 'penalty kicks', then we might not be in this mess in the first place.
As an Englishman is exile for nearly 10 years now, I can fully understand the arguments for and against 'national pride'. I am desperate to see England do well, but as Veescot says, sometimes you just have to sit down and enjoy the football..I hope the England players are watching this and kicking themselves, super motivated to make 2010 a happier year for England.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
yeah, so bad you lived there for 10 years englandcomeon...anyway, I gieb up and will talk footie instead...
Complain about this comment
englandcomeon wrote:
Yes I do live in Berlin as it happens son
+++++++++++++
english nationalism is far bigger than germany's and I say
---------------------------
I don't think so somehow, it is a phenomenon here you can only believe how far it goes here.
I can't imagine in my wildest dreams a German writing something like club before country, i.e. would rather Schalke do well stuff the national side, like many English do (e.g. Liverpool vs Eng) on 606.
#######################
@englandcomeon
Hey, dad ;-)
If're you living in Berlin, i don't know what makes you afraid of our attitude. Unless you're blind, you could easily see everyone is simply enjoying a big and peaceful party :)
Yesterday, after the game, we had a big party in Cologne, Germans and Turks hand in hand. If we'd lost yesterday, it would have been no different.
True is that every German supports the national team more than any club he usually supports. Again, i can't see why that should be a problem. Our team has a great history of World Cup and Euro successes we're of course very proud of, and there's no doubt English fans would feel the same had the English squad achieved anything near this.
Speaking of "overpowering and threatening" national pride: I watched the 2002 World Cup match England vs. Argentina in an English pub in Sheffield and was, although among English friends and supporting the English team, quite scared of the aggressive athmosphere, where English fans celebrated every foul made by an English player and cheered when players from Argentinas' quad got injured. That is something I've never experienced in Germany so far!
Complain about this comment
Much more like it from Turkey - this game they deserved to win!
Congratulations to Germany for the result though.
Only issue I had was the continuity announcer interupting the radio commentary after the pictures went down!
We were lucky we didn't completely miss a goal!
Complain about this comment
i find the anti-german stance quite awful,both regarding their patriotism and their football.May i remind you that the last time england won anything,in 1966,they were far from being the most attractive team and many people described our victory as a tragedy for football.
Italy have won things in the past,playing far less attractive football than the germans,yet i dont recall such vitriol towards them.
no team wins so much just by being 'lucky'.
It was Gary Player who remarked to a critic about his 'luck' : "isnt it funny that the more i practice,the 'luckier' i get".
Complain about this comment
I am English and living in Hamburg, and I have to say that my experience is completely different that EnglandComeon.
The Germans are absolutely proud of their nation, and certainly around football shout it loud. You say drunken Dland Dland..................well I would say they know how to party and celebrate in a way that is about enjoyment. After the Portugal game I joined in lots of the partying and only got friendly comments when I said I was English. Not sure it would have been the same back home.
Complain about this comment
I think as Turkey, we played our best last night. But I have to admit that German team was more experienced then us. I have mixed feelings about the game. I wasn't too sorry after yesterday's game because I know that our players are leaving this tournament with good memories and spirits. They left their marks on this tournament with 4 consecutive all-time classic games. I am very proud of them. I have read so many great comments about the Turkish team above and it made me very happy. I think today everybody should be happy in Turkey.
I wish all the best to Germany in the final.
Complain about this comment
That is something I've never experienced in Germany so far!
*****************
I suppose it depends what standpoint you have.
I do have to laugh mind at the Germans, the first thing that any German mentions if they know you have any interest in football is the "Wembley goal" always they still haven't stopped moaning about that, and if you're lucky they rub it in about one Hand of God goal, the so-called Wembley goal is a joke compared to that misjustice.
We try to forget our bad experiences, the Germans do what they do best about their bad experiences, moan
Complain about this comment
After the Portugal game I joined in lots of the partying and only got friendly comments when I said I was English.
****************************
good luck to ya, anyway think yourself lucky they didn't rip the ........
As Germany had just won probably they were probably feeling a bit generous
Complain about this comment
englandcomeon you must attract a certain kind of German. I have never heard one single person even talk about 1966 never mind that goal. They have had enough success since that they have been able to move on. On the other hand we in England, maybe we are obsessed with the goals because it relates to our only success.
Complain about this comment
I have never heard one single person even talk about 1966 never mind that goal.
------------------------------------------------
How long have you lived in Germany?
Not that long obviously, you get in the media and all the rest, it's a tad sad but there.........
Complain about this comment
whatever any Brits may think if they have to read that all:
1. Nae British team to be seen in Euro 2008
2. While continental footy fans move on Brits obviously ike to stay in the past
Complain about this comment
While continental footy fans move on Brits obviously ike to stay in the past
***********************
Move on who the French from where exactly???
Nae British team to be seen in Euro 2008
++++++++++++++
Well spotted, that your starter for ten, was it?
Complain about this comment
what a well written blog, Paul Fletcher -thank you!
congrats to Germany, but by far Turkey was the better side, bad luck to them, they truly deserved to win..
look forward to Russia's win tonight !!
Complain about this comment
so englandcomeon: again the question, why live in germany for 10 years when you seemingly don't like anything about it?
Complain about this comment
. At 12:05pm on 26 Jun 2008, englandcomeon wrote:
That is something I've never experienced in Germany so far!
*****************
I suppose it depends what standpoint you have.
I do have to laugh mind at the Germans, the first thing that any German mentions if they know you have any interest in football is the "Wembley goal" always they still haven't stopped moaning about that, and if you're lucky they rub it in about one Hand of God goal, the so-called Wembley goal is a joke compared to that misjustice.
We try to forget our bad experiences, the Germans do what they do best about their bad experiences, moan
##################
@englandcomeon
Well, I could argue that moaning is not the same thing as aggression :-O
From my point of view, as German looking at how Germany feels about the Wembly goal,
my feeling is that most Germans look back at this with a ;-)
Of course we "complain" about it, when conversation comes to that, but in an ironic, teasing way. Its long ago, history, and we don't need be sore about that. England won 4:2, denying the Wembley goal would not have made any difference anyway, would it?
On the other hand, I've rarely met an Englishman, who didnt remind me of "5:1" the moment he noticed I'm German and I'm inclined to bet a 100 bucks you've said that at least a dozen times tou your German pals as well.
Anyway, it's a pity you're feeling this way. Maybe you should join your German friends on sunday and go to the Fanmeile to celebragte a little. I'm sure everyone would welcome an Englishman with open arms.
Complain about this comment
@ endreksahr:
i get the feeling englandcomeon doesn't haev any german mates :)
Complain about this comment
so englandcomeon: again the question, why live in germany for 10 years when you seemingly don't like anything about it?
********************
Can you not read?
I said this blog seems to suggest this new wave of "national pride" is all nice and fluffy and lovely.
All I was saying is that it isn't, not in the real world.
Complain about this comment
i get the feeling englandcomeon doesn't haev any german mates :)
***************************
That would be nice wouldn't it.
Sorry can't help you there
Complain about this comment
To all Germans on this board. I have no idea how dull and insulting it must be to be reminded about the world wars constantly (why you are blamed for ww1 is beyond me as it was started by the action of serbian terrorists). The only consolation that i can offer is that the younger generations (ingeneral but not all) feel any reason to blame Germany for the wars. For one ww1 was not there fault and ww2 was started because of the actions of an Austrian. There is still a sense of resentment among the older generations, those who can remember or those who can remember a relative lost but just try to ignore them. Your country has a rich and proud history, and to those english who scoff at this the Germans were a large reason in us winning at waterloo, so ignore those fools who try to use it against you, this attitude is slowly dieing out.
Complain about this comment
@englandcomeon
With your lack of a sense of humor and your doggedness you must be a German in disguise. You run out of arguments and the only thing left is the reflex of a "one worldcup and two worldwars" attitude. Great stuff!
And this club before country bullsh**: As long as Premier League is dominated by foreign players (and money) the England squad will continue to underperform.
Do me a favour and show up with a decent squad or at least a goalkeeper that earns that designation in South Africa 2010.
Complain about this comment
England won 4:2, denying the Wembley goal would not have made any difference anyway, would it?
**********************
LOL, shows your grasp of history.
+++++++++++++
I'm inclined to bet a 100 bucks you've said that at least a dozen times tou your German pals as well.
----------------------------------------
No I had my fun that evening, and don't harp on about it as it happens.
It was funny though, the world was at an end poor old Rudi Voeller's father had a heart attac etc etc the news paper headlines the next day were priceless LOLOLOL
Complain about this comment
You run out of arguments and the only thing left is the reflex of a "one worldcup and two worldwars" attitude. Great stuff!
**************************
I like that, "quoting the English" I didn't mention anything like it
LOL LOL
Complain about this comment
And this club before country bullsh**
+++++++++++++++
My point being, there is something in the german mentality that stops them asking, why am I cheering for this lot.
Another phenomenon is that all german football fans get behind a "German" team i.e. a Bayern fan would support Stuttgart in the Champions League, this would never happen in England, can you imagine a ManU supporter cheering on LFC or Man City?
I think not
Complain about this comment
englandcomeone represents the english steryotype (right oir wrong one) outside of england unfortunatley...Arrogant.
Complain about this comment
Just joking: You know there were people on the pitch when the 4:2 was scored.
You don't get the point. England supporters are much more focused on 1966 than we are. That is why it is annoying for you to hear people say, the ball was not in. (it actually wasn't)
Complain about this comment
Germany started poorly last night and didn't get much better, but still manged to get a good result, which i feel is the sign of a team that are better than average. Turkey may have been unlucky to lose last night, and put in a great performance, but what we have to remember is that in all of their previous games, they have been largely outplayed and lucky to go through themselves.
As for all of this talk of nationalism, i'd have to say that England are quite clearly the most nationalist footballing nation. I'm not sure that many other nations boo the national anthem of their opponents with quite so much feeling as the English do. While from personal experiences, when wearing an England shirt abroad i have never encountered any negative feeling towards me, but on countless occasions when wearing a Germany shirt in England i have been threatened with physical violence and verbally abused.
And why are people talking about past atrocities as if they should have any influence on football and supporters, if the German football team and support are undeserving for events that happened over 60 years ago, if thats the case what about Russia and Gulags in the Soviet Union, or Spain and the actions of Franco.
Complain about this comment
Germans and Turks were partying and in hand after last nghts match? haaha sorted!! great spirit! thas the way itshould be done :D
Complain about this comment
That is why it is annoying for you to hear people say, the ball was not in. (it actually wasn't)
*******************
You know the comment, I have nothing to do with it, I wasn't born at the time.
Exactly, i don't care it's just your forced to care by germans they just keep on about it
Complain about this comment
bigfish73 wrote:
@ endreksahr:
i get the feeling englandcomeon doesn't haev any german mates :)
#################
Nah, of course he does. He (or she?) is just a little Mr.Grumbler :-D
Maybe, we should starting telling German jokes. That will either lift his mind or make him go away ;-)
Complain about this comment
As an American of Polish heritage married to a German, and a professional historian to boot, I am constantly amazed at the depth of the antipathy between Germans and Englishmen. I think both sides need to "get over it" and figure out the rhetoric. Poles and Germans have done a much better job of that than have the English and the the Germans (mostly the English, I think). Lukas Podolski can play for Germany....any Englishmen on the German team? Conceivable? Or vice versa? When will it happen????
Complain about this comment
first joke:
Don't mention the war!
Complain about this comment
LastGoalinWembley wrote:
first joke:
Don't mention the war!
#########################
looooooooool :-D
I've heard this one after the match Germany vs. Austria:
An accused is standing in front of the judge.
Judge: "I've have good and bad news for you. The bad news is, you're sentenced to death and will be shot tomorrow"
Accused: "Damn. What's the good news then?"
Judge: "Mario Gomez will shoot"
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
ouch!
Complain about this comment
At this level, luck is a part of the game. Teams do not play "best of a hundered games", but best of 1 game. You could say Germany was lucky it faced Turkey instead of Croatia. Turkey was immensely lucky against Croatia for at the entire regulation game, the first goal they scored could be called lucky, but many teams, including these two did not give up and that is good news for us the fans! By the way, Portugal was not unlucky: It simply had
its keeper and part of the defence in an extremely bad day. This is all you need to lose
a game at this level, no matter how good the rest of the team is.
Complain about this comment
Not all folk at this blog are germans.
I'm frenchman and Mannschaft's fan.
I appreciate the fighting spirit of the Mannschaft, although still some flaw in defense, dating back to 2004.
Defenser LAHM, turned attacker ... to score the winning goal. I was very excited.
I'm impressed by the energy of the turks as well, and glad that this important match went without troubles.
After the match german players went to consolate the turks. That was great.
By comparision, the first and only match France/Algeria , went broken, and referee ended it after 75 ' ....
To coach Loew: keep the good job, and you'll win the cup.
Complain about this comment
Wow oh wow oh wow....
I just spent the best part of 30 mins reading everyone's comments and discussions and I was completely speechless about some people's views etc.
EnglandComeOn - let me tell you about the UK from a German's p.o.v. ??
The nationalistic point of view revolves around three factors here: 1. England Won the world war - all Germans should NEVER forget it. 2. The EU is a farce and the UK should LEAVE ASAP!! 3. Don't fix anything, a lick of paint will suffice.
Inselaffen (Island Monkeys) - I mentioned in my previous post (Nr. 3) - I was minding my own business in the pub around the corner which was 1/3 empty because no one was interested in the match - and someone heard my German accent or discussion of being German. First thing he says: "Second World War - Traa Laa Laa, Second World War - Traa Laa Laa...." I absolutely despise such closed minded-ness .... I haven't been so angry in a long time. Suffice to say: I told him that it was the Russians that won the 2nd WW - he didn't want to accept that, so I told him to go back to school.
Why oh why joining the EU is such a bad thing? Keeping a unity amongst brothers and sisters - even the Dutch work together with the Belgians within the EU!!! It's not all disharmony - the only fear is that you will lose some identity - well, I am sorry to say: Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy etc etc - have they lost any of their identity since joining and participating within the EU?! No - they have not.
A Lick of paint will cover the cracks and holes within the infrastructure here in the UK - and I tell you - it should not be so anymore. I find it horrible living in the UK (only have 2 more years of it and I am back in Germany) because the standard of living here is appaling. No wonder there is so much violence happening here. And it is all spurred on by the media - hatred to some people; front and foremost the Germans whenever it has anything to do with football. Oh - and don't forget to mention the war on Remembrance Day, Football Games, The Olympics, A "last remaining soldier of WW2 dies" article in the paper.
My point being: JUST LET IT BE ALREADY. LEAVE US ALONE ON THAT FRONT AND JOIN THE PARTY!! WE ARE IN THE FINAL OF THE EURO 2008!!!
Complain about this comment
Maybe, we should starting telling German jokes. That will either lift his mind or make him go away ;-)
*********************
Bring it on :-) LOL
Complain about this comment
Luck vs Taking your chances
Dear All,
It's quite incredible how some people always mention luck when a team they dislike wins. On the other hand, if the team they support wins, it's down to determination, tactics, teamwork and almighty discipline.
Of course, some luck is important but as the saying goes, 'luck favours the brave'. In a general sense, if a team has 10 opportunities to score and only manages to put away 1 then their efficiency is 10%. If the opposing team creates 2 goal scoring opportunities and puts away both of them, then their efficiency is 100%.
If a team cannot find the back of the net given a host of chances then, de facto, they don't deserve to win. The most important statistic isn't possession, % of complete passes, number of shots on target, number of shots off target. It's true that these statistics are given during and after the match but a team isn't awarded any points on these attributes. Shankly rightly said," put the ball at the back of the net and we'll discuss the options later!"
Over the last year, I've read so many comments that are so biased and daft that I'm not even going to mention them here....
As far as yesterday's game is concerned, I wasn't impressed with the way Germany played, confirmed by the dozens of Germans in the bar where I was. But to say that the Germans won only on the basis of luck is too farfetched. They attacked and found a way through. Again to say that Germany's second goal was lucky is just ridiculous. Rustu committed an error and the Germans made the Turks pay for that error (as one would expect from any team really).
Did the Turks play well? Yes, they did but they just didn't translate it into goals. At this level one pays a heavy price for such an approach.
As a parting shot, imagine a manager of an enterprise relying only on luck to explain why the enterprise he/she manages made a loss during the previous year. That person wouldn't live to see the day!
Complain about this comment
Bolek16, are you an american or a pole, and which team would you support at cricket?
From which lofty standpoint have you observed "english antipathy"? The back of a music hall, perhaps? I have lived in England for over twenty years and witnessed die- hard Londoners befriend all creeds and colours - in fact - many Brits ARE "all creeds and colours". Making jokes about things has always been the brit way of "dealing with it", and we don't make jokes about current atrocities such as Iraq, or the other Middle East regime which wages war with American Support......
If you have been looking under rocks you may have found some pondlife of the type you think typify Brits in general, but I think you'll find that Brits don't hate Germans, they hate N@21s - the other "N" word we don't want to see making a comeback.
The rest of you, move on! Don't re-run old conflicts, look forward to Future Contests. I'm going to monitor you all on Monday morning, and I don't want to see any Franco/Hitler, or Stalin /Hitler rubbish.
German Correspondents - please keep the jokes coming!
Complain about this comment
Of course, some luck is important but as the saying goes, 'luck favours the brave'.
*********************
I have to say that Germany must have done something right to be so "lucky" down the years, namely deserving some of it.
On the other hand even the Germans (including Netzer, Beckenbauer) admit that they've had more than their fair share at times.
Look at the Maradonna goal, that was the sort of luck get, or Gascoigne missing the ball by an inch in extra time at Euro 96 v Germany.
It includes having "easy" quali groups and all, you do have to admire them for never giving up, but for people that admire the game it's a bit like the year Madrid beat Leverkusen in the CL final, the best team in Europe didn't win the competition.
That's what many feel about Germany, somehow they muddle their way through and when it counts the luck really seems to be on their side.
Complain about this comment
as an englishman in karlsruhe i really enjoyed the celebrations in the street last night, i saw plenty of turkish fans mixed in among germans and everything went off peacefully with no threatening or nationalistic chants. id quite happily admit (unlike some people on here) being very jealous last night.... i couldnt help thinking what it would be like in england if we were in the same position.
of course we wont know because our team is not good enough to play attractive football effectively or smart enough to employ the best tactics to win an individual game the hard way.
as for luck, yeah, the german team has had a bit in he last 2 games with refereeing decisions, but so have the turks... it is about how a team reacts and uses its luck be it good or bad that is important, something we english havent learned yet.. i thought that the quality of the winning german goal alone deserved to win them the game..
well done to the germans for getting behind their team so well.. i do fear though that if russia get through tonight arshavin and co may have a little to much going forward fo the german defence.... having said that im sure jogi loew as something up his rolled up sleeves to counter that...
as for the goal in 1966.... i seem to remember a german news report sometime in 2006 which suggested that a german mathmatician had proved the ball was in fact over the line for something like 0.01something something something seconds.. maybe im wrong, but i dont really care someone else can check up on that.
what is this rubbish about club vs country?? surely there should be no contest??
i for my sins support brighton but happily support all english teams in the champions league.. and of course i support england above all! whats wrong with being like that?
Complain about this comment
englishman in karlsruhe
***************
are you sure?
........LOL
Complain about this comment
about what?
Complain about this comment
take your pick.........
those pesky German mathemeticians...............
Complain about this comment
Okay, here's another one:
An Englishman, a Frenchman and a German want to swim across a shark-infested river.
The Englishman goes first. Thinking about the many great sportsmen England has produced, he swims as fast as he can, but gets bitten by a shark and loses a leg.
Then the Frenchman tries his luck. Convinced that France has always done better than England in history he tries even harder, but gets bitten by a shark and loses an arm.
At last the German tries to get across. He swims really slowly and hardly keeps his head above water, but somehow reaches the other shore unharmed.
"Wow, how did you do that?" the Frenchman asks.
The German: "Oh, it was easy. Before i went in the river, I put on a T-Shirt saying 'England for World Cup'. Not even a shark would swallow that."
Complain about this comment
neither do we
Complain about this comment
i remember what i saw, and from where i was standing i saw no trouble. maybe there was elsewhere, im sure you are dying to prove me wrong...
as for the "pesky german mathmaticians", im only repeating roughly what i saw almost 2 years ago on tv...
and as i said i dont really care, you can check up on it if you have nothing better to do...
regarding what i wrote about the game and what luck has to do with football, yeah im sure...
what are you sure of?
Complain about this comment
Poles and Germans have done a much better job of that than have the English and the the Germans
**************************
do have a larf will ya.
70 % of Germans associate: car theft, cheap petrol and cheap labour with Poland.
The Poles themselves have a big problem with nationalism.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I read what the President of Poland said when Poland failed to progress in the comp.
There is a great sense of mutual distrust and you get the feeling that a lot of (less intelligient ) Germans see the Poles as second class citizens
Complain about this comment
as for the "pesky german mathmaticians", im only repeating roughly what i saw almost 2 years ago on tv...
***************
come and go if..........
calm down, easy lad ;-)
Complain about this comment
Portuguese Nationalist -
Of course the Russians are top blokes arn't they, ask the millions dead from the great patriot uncle Joe.
Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel someone once said...
None of this helps, it's about football, not War, and we have had some compelling games that have kept the 'neutral' (English/Scottish Fan) glued to the telly.
I think the German team will raise their game against whoever wins tonight (come on Russia).
The comments from the BBC sofa numpts are also getting boring and I hope that cappello sorts out the English team and gets them playing properly so we can join in next time instead of whining.
I like the Gary Player quote about luck, couldn't be more true!
Enjoy the footie!
Complain about this comment
This page should really be entitled 'englandcomeon vs Everyone Else'.
I'm inclined to take the side of Everone Else because the daunting picture of Germany that englandcomeon paints is bleak, inhospitable, and in my limited experience (went to Berlin briefly), inaccurate.
What part of Germany do you live in, englandcomeon? I must make a note to avoid it when it comes to choosing my summer holiday destination.
Complain about this comment
Why is it that Germany always has to apologize for being in the final? Is it our fault that England (didn't even manage to qualify), Italy, France, Spain (who miracuously managed to survive penalites this time), Sweden (best payed player in the world) or Holland (beat Italy and France) always seem to lose their nerves once the group stages are over?
Is it our fault that so many teams (especially England) ALWAYS overrate their players on paper before big tournaments? Everyone complained when Germany went into the World CUp final 2002. Why? What are we supposed to do if South Korea beats Spain and Italy in the rounds before?
It is so easy to criticize our game by calling it ugly, lucky or merely "will-driven". Germany played the most offensive and effective football at the world cup 06. What happened to England? We played the same way against Portugal during the Euro 08 and beat the "favorites" for the title... And now we faced 11 turks in the semis who had nothing loose but the world to win. Was our game beautiful? Of course not! Was Holland vs. Russia or Spain vs. Italy worth calling a masterpiece of art??? This is a tournament on a very high level with very strong teams. Of course you need a bit of luck to win such a tournament. Todays football is on such a high eye-to-eye level that milimeters make the diference. There are no more real "favorites" as 15 years ago. Anyone can beat anyone.
I think the author of the piece above is worthy of writting for a company with a reputation and influence of the BBC. This is "SUN" level. All I am asking is that as a sports journalist you should keep a professional and obejctive attitude. Just calling the German team "lucky" with one good appearance against Portugal is unfair. We are in the final. And we deserved it as much as any other final we have reached and/or won in the past.
And I am sure we will go very far in 2010 as well... also because we do not call ourselves "favorites" or "the most expensive team in the world" before the tournament has started.
Viel glück im Finale Jungs!!!
Complain about this comment
englandcomeon wrote:
There is a great sense of mutual distrust and you get the feeling that a lot of (less intelligient ) Germans see the Poles as second class citizens
###############
Nah, that's not true.
Btw, do you know the difference between a Pole and an East-German?
The Pole speaks German and has a job ;-)
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Luck...I think Napoleon said something about luck being one's ability to master chance. That is precisely what the Germans did against Turkey. It was a matter of rolling with the circumstances and using superior discipline to go on and win the game. To say a team relies solely on "luck" to win a game reveals a lack of depth in understanding the game. That said, big cheers to Turkey for livening up an already great tournament.
Let's go Germany!
Complain about this comment
I don't know what all this "luck" talk is about.
Just think about this 100% penalty which was denied by an abysmal referee! Now, were the Germans really oh so lucky...
Complain about this comment
post number 61
'..the German mentality..' Is this a joke?
What is it,exactly and how would you know?
Every German? Most of them? The minority that you know? I guess your national mentality[what is that?] would manifest itself in an inclination towards crass generalisations, would it? What's this got to do with the German football team or their fans or nationalism/patriotism. And yes, I hae read all of the previous posts, before you ask...
Complain about this comment
It was a great game, Turkey played the better performance but Germany won.
Football goes like that sometimes, it was rough on Turkey to lose in that manner, and had Rustu not made the error they would surely have got extra time at least maybe even more.
Indeed, they possibly overattacked after the first, when trying to slow it down and keep some possession may have been more sensible.
Complain about this comment
I was referring to Turkey's opening goal in that last paragraph. Also, Congratulations to Germany.
Complain about this comment
Some people seem to think that Germany have been lucky based, principally, on the basis that Germany have had less shots or posession in their games, but surely thats just the sign of a better team as they don't have to create a bundle of chances to win games
Complain about this comment
Having won three games at the death, after being outplayed in all of them, Turkey can have few complaints after being on top of a moderate Germany and failing to cash in for much of last night's game and having the win pinched from under their noses. A case of the biter has been bitten.
As for the litany of complaints about Germany and German football on this forum, it sounds like sour grapes from English supporters whose only wish is that their national side was as drearily efficient.
Complain about this comment
Englandcomeon seems to be very disturbed.
I cannot remember having ever heard a person so stubbornly doggedly negative about another nation.
He surprises you.
As he goes on he annoys you.
As he still goes on, he makes you chuckle.
Englandcomeon, come on - go home.
Complain about this comment
It's really interesting having read most of the comments here, that it seems the voice of insanity here is Englandcomeon. Incidentally, isn't it ironic that someone with that screen name is bleating about German nationalism?
You're jealousy is overwhelming my friend, and the points made previously relating to the club vs country debate are 100%accurate i.e foreigners in teams obviously dilutes the passion nationally.
With that in mind though, isn't it great to be so familiar with so many of the talented players on display.
BTW, I was in Amsterdam for the last world cup and sat in a bar watching England vs Trinidad.
Vitriol central it was, compared to watching Holland vs Croatia, where there was a clutch of Croation fans sitting across from a load of Dutch. What a laugh was had, and the barlady brought us all a free beer. The continentals are miles ahead of us guys. We just need to stop deluding ourselves and try to catch 'em up!
Complain about this comment
Re 102 :
It was actually Serbia and Montenegro. That'll teach me to try to post facts from memory.
D'oh!
Complain about this comment
ianall
vs Switzerland, when the pitch started to dry out Turkey played better football and seemed to get on top.
Turkey were eventually the better side vs the Czechs, they truly dominated the second half, more shots on goal and everything after the Czechs were well on top.
vs Croatia, granted they were lucky to win on penalties because Croatia were the better side by and large.
Complain about this comment
guys, get off englandcomeon, it's a waste of time.
some english are naive, some are true sportmanship, some (like englandcomeon) are plainly cynical and dreamers.
just like other countries. it is far too naive to generalise one country to one character as it will never be true.
I am an Indonesian and was born in the year backenbauer led the german to beat cruyff and all his flying dutchmen and fell in love with the german team since 1990 when they dismantle maradona in more ways than one. I love their attacking flair, their defensive cohesivity, superb tackling (!!!), and efficiency above all.
They've been abysmal in usa 94 and france 98 but I never turn my back from them.
Truly, why would we attack for the whole 90 minutes when we just can flash our briliance frequenly enough to top our opponents? yes guys will loved and praise your game but you'll be worn out when you've reach the final!
why would you have to run and run and run for 90 minutes when you can walk some jog some and sprint some to kick your opponents' asses? I love the scene of the italy 90 team who were very efficient like this!
klinsi had changed all that since 06, but i love this team still.
my son was born last may, and i love to see germany pick up euro cup the year he's born, like when I was born, der kaizer lift the world cup..............
Complain about this comment
To all English fans who still think about that all Germans are nazi.
First, I am a Jew and from Israel and I lost coupe of memberes of my family in holocaust. It is a tragic, but what it has to do with me? I love Germany very much, and my best ever friends are from Germany. In the last 2.5 years I worked and studied in Germany, and I loved it a lot.
Secondly, with regard of what happened more than 60 years ago, I have always since 1982 supported West Germany, and now as a unified German National Team, or Deutscheelf. Out of 16 world cups that Germany participated they have been 11 times in the top of 4 nations. 3 times world champions, 4 times as a silver medalist, 3 times as a bronze medalist, and once they took the fourth place. 11 out of 16 times in the top 4. That is a superb record of a team. Only 5 times out of 16 times they did not reached the semi final stages (1994, 1998, 1978, 1962, 1938). In the European cups, German participated in 10 out of 13 european championships, and out of 10 european championshipw they have played 6 times in the final. That is an incredible record. 3 times as a european champions, and twice they took sliver, and I do hope that they are going to take another european title this Sunday. But if not, and if they take sliver this Sunday (by the way, I am happy with this too), I do wish them to be a world champions in 2010, and they can certainly do it.
So, as to all british fans who hate Germany, come on, we now in 2008 and not in 1945.
My dad in 60 years old, and he watched the final in 1966, and he is still saying after 42 years same thing every world cup and every european championship whether the British team is still celebrating the success in 1966. Only one title (with a small help of the referee of Tofic Bahramov). This is certainly not a super power in a word of soccer.
God bless Germany this Sunday and do wish to German national team to win a fourth european title.
ICH LIEBE DEUTSCHLAND
AND
ICH LIEBE DEUTSCHEELF
Complain about this comment
We Germans are proud of our succesfull national team and you british are proud of a granny who sits on a throne all day if she is not baptizing ships.. Keep smiling :-)
Complain about this comment
A dissapointing end to a super, refreshing run of brave football from the Turkey camp. I was at Basel throughout the week and would like to thank all the fans that represented Turkey, Germany in a respectful yet competitive manner. We deserved the semi and would have gone on to lift the trophy I beleive..but it wasn't meant to be. Congratulations to the germans, and a big thank you to the turkiye national side..they again showed the world about their own capabilities when all seems dead and buried. belief and motivation from Terim's part led the squad through until the very end. I look forward to the world cup now.
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS