World Cup

**Maya & Inka's mommy** · 07-10-2006, 04:20 AM

I was cheering for France, as they were really playing VERY good!! But stupid Zidane had to spoil it for his team; what a mean and selfish thing to do!! I feel sorry for them!

**Kirsten** · 07-10-2006, 04:56 AM

primabella, what a cute photo! It's nice to see how happy they are!

Lut, I also feel sorry for the French team. How stupid of Zidane to ruin it all for them! I wonder what he's going to do now. He didn't even show up when they got their medals...

Well, now it's the first day after 4 weeks of complete madness!

Sort of boring now, and sad that this huge party is over. I don't know if you realized what has happened here, but it's truly phenomenal what happened here in this country. A country that's in a deep depression facing of unemployment, tax increases, a crashing health system and so on woke up and united it a sea of black red and gold, and fans from all these different countries celebrated together, peacefully most of the time. I really think Germany was a good host country, positive and friendly, and I think our guests from all over the world felt comfortable here and will remember the good time they had.

I did never expect such a positive energy before the tournament began, nor did I expect the young German team performing so well, and spreading such a positive team spirit. We call them the "World Champions of Hearts" here!

Yesterday, they went to Berlin to say "Danke" (thank you) to all the fans for their tremendous support. I just have to share some of the impressions, it was just great, really touching and moving:

The German team saying thank you to the fans:

Bastian Schweinsteiger supporting the band that played our most popular World Cup song "54, 74, 90, 2006" on the drums (Since Germany has NOT won the title this time, the song is now called "54, 74, 90, 2010"):

The team singing along with Xavier Naidoo, one of our most popular singers, whose song "Dieser Weg" ("this way") has inspired the team:

The sign says "We are the Champions of Hearts":

David Odonkor, Lukas Podolski and Gerald Asamoah are singing for the fans:

Oliver Kahn and Torsten Frings with a huuuge beer:

Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger singing:

LOL; please forgive me for sharing this!

Kirsten

**Killearn Kitties** · 07-10-2006, 05:06 AM

They did an incredibly good job for such a young team and they deserve their moment of glory.

As a host country, Germany quite clearly did a magnificent job. You are so right that guests from all over the world enjoyed the positive and friendly atmosphere, and felt comfortable.

I think South Africa has a very tough act to follow.

**Pawsitive Thinking** · 07-10-2006, 05:34 AM

Now what am I going to do????

**beeniesmom** · 07-10-2006, 09:27 AM

Primabella, that is such a cute photo.
I laughed when I saw them do that on TV.

Kirsten,
You have a wonderful country and I am happy I got a chance to visit it in January, even for a few days. Thanks for posting your pictures as well.
Germany was a wonderful host. South Africa will have a rough time filling your shoes in the next World Cup.

**smokey the elder** · 07-10-2006, 11:20 AM

Germany should be very proud of its hosting duties and its performance in the World Cup. Congratulations to Italy for the victory! I was blown away that Zidane would flout the laws of soccer by doing such a nasty foul, in his last game, yet.

**Kirsten** · 07-10-2006, 02:51 PM

As a host country, Germany quite clearly did a magnificent job. You are so right that guests from all over the world enjoyed the positive and friendly atmosphere, and felt comfortable.

I think South Africa has a very tough act to follow.

Yes, they say they have problems with the stadiums and security, but still have 4 years to work on it. Being the first African country that hosts the World CUp is a great chance for South Africa!

Now what am I going to do????

Brody's Mum, I'm feeling the same today. I really got used to watching football every day, and it was fun. Now something's missing.

Kirsten,
You have a wonderful country and I am happy I got a chance to visit it in January, even for a few days.

Thanks!

I think many visitors were surprised about how friendly and warmhearted people were. At least this is what I read in an article today. They also didn't expect such a sunny and warm weather! LOL

Germany should be very proud of its hosting duties and its performance in the World Cup.

Thanks! I guess we are a bit proud these days. But also a bit sad because it's over.

Kirsten

**BOBS DAD** · 07-10-2006, 03:07 PM

I must agree. Germany did a fantastic job of hosting the World Cup. Everything seemed to go quite smoothly and without any hitches. I heard lots of very positive things from those who follow soccer more closely.

But I can't end with just that - I must sound off again!!! HOW CAN SOCCER BE THE WORLD'S FAVORITE SPORT???

IT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
Sorry, I feel asleep with my finger on the Keyboard - BORING.

Really, the announcers are just grasping at things to talk about while nothing is happening on the field (which is most of the time). I have a theory about soccer - it is really only fun to watch when the player are really not that good. Like when little kids play. They make mistakes, forget which goal is theirs and sometimes just get "too tired" to defend or chase after the ball. A single good kid can dribble the ball the length of the field and score.

When the players start getting good, then all the fun in watching the game goes away. They are "too good". For 90 minutes, no-one can score! And they never get tired. They don't forget where they are supposed to be playing. Nobody ever "intentionally" kicks the ball into their own goal, because they forgot what they were doing.

Heck, I think I could play soccer. I mean, I could go out and run up and down the field for 90 minutes and accomplish "nothing". JMO!!!