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Cool German fans have it figured out
BERLIN (AP) -- Productivity is down, free beer has flowed, politicians have jumped on the bandwagon and television records have been shattered during the German national team's unlikely run to the World Cup final. There aren't any day-long parties in Germany, or painted fans roaming the street, in the run-up to Sunday's match against Brazil, possibly because Germans are too reserved or because they've already been to the final six times. But Germans are clearly pining for the long-desired fourth title, 12 years after the last one in Italy. "It's time again -- please come home," was the front-page headline in the mass-circulation Bild, above a picture of the golden World Cup trophy. "Tantalizingly near -- get that trophy," was the Leipziger Volkszeitung's headline. Many Germans appear confident their overachieving squad will do just that, even though experts worldwide favor the Brazilians, with stars like Ronaldo and Rivaldo, to take the trophy to South America. A poll by the respected Enmid polling company showed 54.2 percent of the Germans are convinced their team will win, while the Forsa institute had it at 57 percent -- confidence shared by German celebrities. "I'm convinced Germany will win 2-1 because this team has gelled and functions well," said three-time Wimbledon winner Boris Becker. But even if German fans don't roam the streets, dancing and beating drums like some other countries, the World Cup had been on everyone's tongues as they sit in cafes and beer gardens in balmy summer weather. Even with matches starting at 8.30 a.m. or 1.30 p.m. on work days, rating records have been shattered for television. The 1-0 semifinal victory against South Korea -- broadcast on a Tuesday afternoon -- topped 20 million viewers, not including the tens of thousands watching on large downtown screens or crowds in the overflowing pubs. That was the highest rating for any program this year, soon to be shattered by the final, with a 85.7 percent market share Martin Huefner, chief economist of Germany's second-largest bank, HypoVereinsbank, figures his countrymen's fascination with the World Cup will cost the country 14 billion euros (dlrs 13.9 billion) in lost productivity. Even when Germany isn't playing, other World Cup matches flicker all day long on office televisions as resigned bosses look on. During the Germany-South Korea match, workers at a bottling plant in Kerpen went on strike until employers gave them the afternoon off. But Huefner believes the Germans' run at the title, so unexpected after the mighty soccer nation fell into a deep sporting slump for a decade, could actually help an economic revival in the long run. "The success of the national team motivates the Germans _ finally we don't feel we're at the bottom," he said. German newspapers Saturday were filled with reasons why their national team will win, with Bild stringing together a a list of a 100 causes for the inevitable success. They ranged from "because football is our lives" to the stubborn "because nobody else wants us to win the World Cup," a reference to the sometimes ugly soccer the team plays and other countries' frustration with the way it still wins. Reason No. 3 was a reference to their standout goalie, Oliver Kahn, "because King Kahn will cover the goal like a condom." Berlin's B.Z. tabloid listed all the places one can get free beer and party in the capital if Germany wins. But the tabloid was also philosophical about a loss. "We're good losers and will celebrate anyhow. Then beat it down to your nearest Brazilian pub or restaurant -- they're sure to give away a free round of caipirinhas." But whether Germany wins or not, the team can count on getting a hearty welcome home, for almost every one in the country seems to feel this team has exceeded all expectations in reaching the final. "They have nothing to lose and everything to win," said Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Swiss coach of Bayern Munich, one of Europe's top clubs. Some think the excitement in the country, and the way rooting for their team has drawn the Germans together, is already a payoff. "This standing shoulder-to-shoulder is something Germany needs more than a World Cup title," wrote Steffen Enigk in the Leipziger Volkszeitung. "Win or lose, we will celebrate on Sunday anyhow." Both candidates for chancellor in September elections, incumbent Gerhard Schroeder and conservative rival Edmund Stoiber have flown to Japan to associate themselves with the team for the final, while their campaign jousting now is filled with soccer terms. They will miss millions of Germans in the street Sunday, finally pouring out all their emotions if the fourth World title is captured. In Berlin, the main celebration will take place on Kurfuerstendamm, the former West Berlin's main street. But since this is orderly Germany, police have warned that all celebrations have to end by 10 p.m., title or not -- because the area's residents have to get their sleep. (rk) |
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