Many believe that the World Cup in Brazil has been one of the best that has ever taken place. The free-flowing goals in the group stages made it the highest scoring tournament – on a par with France 1998 when a total of 171 goals were scored.
Although Germany had one little blip against Algeria, they looked to be the real deal. After all, they put 7 goals past Brazil in the semi finals and could have gone on to score even more.
After a 24 year wait – they beat Argentina back in 1990 with a penalty – Germany, coached by Joachim Lowe became the first unified German team to win the World Cup. They also became the first European team to win the Cup in South America.
Of course, the 7-1 victory against Brazil yielded more firsts. It was the largest defeat that Brazil has ever recorded and it was also the largest semi final score line margin. Miroslav Klose became the oldest player to score in the World Cup and also beating Ronaldo’s tally to set a record of a total of 16 goals scored in World Cups.
After being Jurgen Klinsmann’s protégé, coach Lowe – normally unsmiling and clinical – could not hide his joy as he beamed with a huge smile across his face when the final whistle sealed it for Germany.
Argentina – playing their third final against Germany – were plucky, game and resourceful, but they just could not match the strength in depth that Germany has.
Think about it. Up front, Germany’s match winner Mario Götze was edged out of the starting lineup as other players hit consistent performances. But it was he, the young man who was sidelined who came onto the pitch and sublimely cushioned the ball on his chest, bringing it down to his feet without even breaking stride and then stroking the ball past Romero and into the open goalmouth.
It was yet another display of Germany’s class, belief in itself and sheer efficiency and hard work – a true example of a well gelled and well drilled team where individual egos are brushed aside in favour of team ethic.
And this is perhaps why Germany has always been a powerhouse in Europe. The new Germany as we know it today was born out of the ashes of WWII. German was practically razed to the ground by British and US bombing runs which devastated civilian populations as well as industrial output capability.
Germany, humbled after the misdeeds of a madman who wanted to create an Aryan superstate, changed tack. It became the model of hard work ethic, industrial output, moderate politics and it became the economic motor of Europe.
It still is, and it’s performance continues to keep Europe – and the Eurozone – afloat in the turbulent world that we live in. So yes, there is much to cheer about Germany. But right now, it’s all about a World Cup victory – and one of the best overall performances that a country has put on throughout the tournament. Well done Germany, you deserve it, and you also did Europe proud.