In case you didn’t know, there is a culture beyond bratwurst, beer and sauerkraut in Germany. Relationships end because of it, millions are made with it, even little children know and love it, and foreigners and non-believers follow it with disbelief. This is, of course, the German soccer culture.
It is celebrated like a religion, but it attracts twice the amount of people–no matter at what time of the day the game is. The soccer fan’s church is the stadium, his bible is the team’s history and the ten commandments all deal with how to cheer best for the team.
Because of the approaching World Cup, the discussions about the German soccer flock arises once again. Even though it would bea little too early for Germany’s coach Rudi Völler to book the return tickets after the first round, the German team faces major difficulties in 2002.
Besides a lack of confidence, their strongest player, midfield maestro Mehmet Scholl, won’t be on the field. However, Michael Ballack, Christian Ziege and Karsten Jancker are world-class performers and have the potential to keep the team’s play above average. Constant teamwork is more than necessary. The team’s weak point will be the attack where they are lacking a goalscorer like their coach Rudi Völler, who was a nightmare for every keeper back in his days.
Chances that Germany will win the Cup are not as big as they used to be, because the team is young and lacks routine. But with solid tactical play, they still have a chance to make it to the top.