Postcards from Germany: Euro 2008
For Guymon Daily Herald
June 12-13, 2008
In Germany you can forget the NFL playoffs – or any other kind of football for that matter. Here "the other football" reigns supreme. Since soccer's Euro 2008 started last week, it's nearly impossible not to get caught up in that electrifying excitement unique to major sporting events that causes even the most casual of fans to jump in victory or slouch in defeat. It's everywhere: the boisterous, spontaneous singing, the red, black and gold painted faces, the German flags worn as capes as if every fan is a Superman channeling all of his powers to the team.
The sixteen squads competing for the European championship have their entire countries behind them; at least once every four years patriotism sweeps everyone up in a common cause. Call it cheesy or sentimental, but even the most cynical of people would have a hard time denying the unifying power of sports.
Among the competitors this year are traditional powerhouses Germany, Italy and France. Surprisingly – but to my intense pleasure – England didn't qualify. With three world championships, Germany hopes to recover from this week's loss to Croatia in Monday's match against Austria, with whom there is a colossal rivalry. An earlier win against Poland guarantees that Germany could still advance though, so fans here are still optimistic. With the Euro cup continuing throughout June, you can guarantee that you'll see more about it here, but until then I'll be chanting "Deutschland, Deutschland, Deutschland!" Questions, comments or suggestions: guymongirl1@gmail.com.
Below: A disappointed fan mourns Germany's 2-1 loss to Croatia Thursday.
