Germans proud of overachieving team

Updated: Monday July 01, 2002 02:47 p.m. ET

BERLIN (AP) -- The loss to Brazil didn't dampen German pride in the unexpectedly good performance of their national team at the World Cup.

Almost every newspaper and television commentator weighed in with identical comments, ones echoed by fans -- Germany played well in the 2-0 loss, overachieved throughout the Cup and there's absolutely no reason for shame.

"Boys, that was a super final -- don't let your heads hang," was the Berlin daily B.Z.'s front page headline. "In 2006, we'll be world champions."

The "Mannshaft," which is now regarded throughout the country as having a big future, is expected to be reinforced from more up-and-coming talented players who have shown potential in the Bundesliga.

"We didn't win, well then, we'll just bring back the trophy in four years," said Axel Naumann of Wiederitszsch, a small north German town.

There was nothing for applause after the German team repudiated the experts' opinion that it was likely to exit in the World Cup's early rounds.

"Head up high -- you were runner-up after a great tournament," was the Hannovische Allgemeine daily headline.

"You're our heroes and you've been a lot of fun -- and you've given us hope for the future," the B.Z. wrote of how the three-time world champions have overcome a decade long slump.

For many, goalie Oliver Kahn was both their hero and a tragic figure after his blunder led to the first of two goals for Ronaldo.

"The mistake! From Kahn of all people," the B.Z. wrote, among many newspapers speculating that their team captain's mistake was caused by tearing a ligament in his right ring finger early in the second half.

But for some, Kahn was not the real story of the World Cup from the German side.

"This cannot be remembered as the World Cup, it has to be remembered as the World Cup in which we showed how much potential we have," wrote the Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

(rk)