As a commentator nailed it:
Germany celebrates itself - and the world is cordially invited to join us! ;-) The whole country is covered with our black-red-gold banner! I have never seen so many flags since the pictures of the reunification-festivities in 1990.
There have been a lot of football vs fussball jibes which is frankly juvenile and pedestrian.
What fascinates me is the joy and exuberance of the fans during this World Cup. The national pride and joy shown by the fans for their teams has been intoxicating.
As an American, I wonder when our jaded stadium sports fans last broke out in song and (dare I say the word ) 'gaiety' out of national pride?
When was the last time we cheered 750,000 strong in the streets for an American team?
Are we so self-absorbed that we've lost that pride which truly makes the World Cup the premier world sports event ?
I'd also say that the World Cup is the best answer yet to one-world multi-culturalism.
By the way this is the first time I've ever closely followed a World Cup - the fact that I'm seeing it over here in Europe has made me appreciate it all the more.
My German uncle liked this joke so I'll share it with you.
A communist activist was trying to explain the wonders of communism to a German farmer. He explained, "Under communism, everyone shares equally." Then he asked the farmer, "If you had two houses you would share one wouldn't you? "
The farmer thinks for a minute and says, "Jah"
"And if you had 2 tractors you'd share one right?" the communist continued.
The farmer again thinks and says " Jahwohl "
"And if you had 2 horses you'd share with your neighbor wouldn't you ?"
The farmer looks at the communist and says "Nein !"
"But why not ?" shouted the bewildered communist.
The farmer says, " Ich habe zwei pferde . "