They played “Vienna calling” on the radio last night, when we drove home from the city. Nice! So, Germany made it to the final of EURO 2008 and this country went crazy. Even I did to some extent and I was really really thrilled that the team managed to win the game. But honestly: The didn’t deserve to have won. Not at all, because they were playing so bad. They had about five shots on goal and even “efficiently” scored three times, but the way everyone messed up everywhere on the field, was rather hard too watch.
If I would care about that sport at all I would probably be mad at the team for that absolutely poor performance. But as I don’t, I can just be as patriotic as I want to be and celebrate. It’s great to see the feeling of summer 2006 return more and more with every day. People with german flags on their cars, in Team Germany jerseys or with any kind of German fan-stuff (caps, necklaces) and on the night of the game even with big flags wrapped around their hips or worn as a cape.
I really like that this nation finally is able to deal with their national symbols (flag, colours) in a friendly and relaxed way. Due to our history, there didn’t seem to be a normal way to deal with it in the last few decades. Probably because the only ones who did, were the ones with an ugly nationalistic, racist attitude. 10 years ago you wouldn’t have caught me with german flags painted on my cheeks no matter what sport event took place anywhere :-). But that’s changed in the last few years and it’s fun to see and to be a part of it.
It’s nice to see how this sport and tournament brings people together. You have a common topic to talk about anywhere with anyone and it’s really great. The atmosphere in this country is so relaxed at the moment, it’s a welcome change for a few days. Because this summerdream and the relaxed atmosphere will be over after the tournament, I guess. So let’s enjoy it while it lasts and let’s keep singing along to rather stupid football songs on the radio like I did last night on my way back home. Singing on the top of my voice to Oli Pochers “Bringt ihn heim” (Bring it home). Oli Pocher! *headdesk* I was still on the victory high, I guess.
All in all I still think hockey is the way cooler sport though :-)