Germany hopes to relive World Cup ‘fairytale’

As Germany gears up to host Euro 2024, the 2006 World Cup remains a pivotal event in the country’s collective memory, often referred to as the “Summer Fairytale.” It symbolizes a significant shift for a unified Germany, marking a departure from its troubled history and showcasing a fresh, modern image to the world.

On the pitch, Jurgen Klinsmann’s German team defied gloomy pre-tournament forecasts to reach the semi-finals. Despite a heart-wrenching extra-time loss to eventual champions Italy and securing a third-place finish, Germany’s performance ignited a decade of supremacy, culminating in the 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.

Off the field, the tournament not only reshaped global perceptions of Germany but also reshaped Germany’s own self-image. Philipp Lahm, a pivotal figure in the 2006 squad and later the captain of the triumphant 2014 team, reflected on the nation’s unified support, stating, “In 2006, we felt the entire country rallying behind us, providing us with unwavering support and energy.”

“The celebrations are fantastic. People from all over come to Germany to join in a massive festival together.”

According to German sports sociologist and philosopher Gunter Gebauer, the tournament had an immediate and enduring impact.

“Prior to the tournament, the mood in Germany was extremely bleak. The economy was struggling, the weather was dreary, and football performances were dismal.

“Then, the World Cup began, and during Germany’s first match against Costa Rica, when Philipp Lahm scored and the sun broke through, it felt almost like a scene from the Bible.”

Residing in a middle-class Berlin suburb, Gebauer witnessed a neighbor proudly displaying a German flag from their balcony, a gesture previously considered taboo due to the nation’s post-World War II aversion to nationalism.

“Following that, seeing German flags waving and hearing the anthem sung at Germany games became commonplace, something unheard of before.”

The breakdown of internal barriers meant that World Cup visitors witnessed a different aspect of Germans than the disciplined, rule-abiding stereotype often portrayed.

“Foreigners visiting Germany were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the German people.

“English visitors would inquire, ‘Where are all the stern Germans? We’ve only encountered friendly individuals who are celebrating everywhere.'”

Wolfgang Maennig, a former Olympic gold medalist in rowing for Germany at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, currently serves as a professor of sports economics at Hamburg University.

In an interview with AFP, Maennig noted that while the economic gains from large-scale events were typically minimal, “the feel-good factor was the essence of the 2006 World Cup.”

Prior to the World Cup, “Germans weren’t exactly known for their welcoming demeanor,” but following the 2006 event, “Germany’s international perception has seen notable improvement.”

“I think foreigners now view us in a completely different light, no longer seeing us as reserved or peculiar, but rather as open and joyful, which in turn has influenced our own self-perception.”

Jan Haut, a sports sociologist at Goethe University, informed AFP that “Germans became a bit more relaxed. They felt more at ease and self-assured celebrating the national team’s victories.”

“What was rather new was that Germans themselves became more aware that in other countries the picture of Germany isn’t as bad as the Germans had thought,” he added.

While 18 years have passed and both Germany and the world have changed, many parallels remain.

Germany again is wracked by economic uncertainty, infrastructure concerns and fears of poor on-field performances.

Haut said the world’s attention would again shine a light on Germany, for bad and for good.

“In the worst case, there might be some surprises maybe that people become aware that things don’t work so well in Germany currently, like public transport.”

After the humiliation of two successive World Cup exits in the group stage, Germany have shown signs of life under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

They won just three of 11 games in 2023 but rebounded with strong wins over France and Netherlands in March.

Whatever the team’s results in the tournament, Maennig said Germany could bank on the unifying impact of the national sport.

“As a rower I say this with a bit of sorrow in my voice, but only football can bring people together like this. The cafes and restaurants show the games on monitors and you can sit and watch in a friendly atmosphere.

“It’s really quite enchanting.”