EM 2024 - A little backward, but likeable - like the whole country
The German team presented itself as a team in transition and represented the country appropriately, which is undergoing changes: in the economy, energy supply, social modernization. After years of certain self-righteousness and growing failures, Germany is working its way back up, in football as in real life.
It takes longer – just like the train
One senses the potential, one sees many positive initiatives. But some things just take longer. Nothing has made this process as strikingly clear as the German Railways, which became the butt of fans' jokes: With their absolutely reliable unreliability, they showed European visitors a different image of perfectionist Germany.
A little like the traffic light government: high ambitions, progress only in small steps. The state in which Europeans experienced this country between delays, dead spots, and clogged stadium entrances had a calming effect on European neighbors. It was reassuring for them that Germany only functioned somewhat properly.
Germans were still nice hosts
Despite this, the Germans were still nice hosts, as a journalist from the "New York Times" noted, whose article was shared on social networks for days. Millions of guests experienced a Germany between backwardness and upheaval, on the field and in the country. But mostly sympathetic.
Nico Fried would be happy if Olaf Scholz welcomed the national team to the Chancellery next.
The German national team's performance in the recent European Championship certainly made headlines, with the DFB facing criticisms and praise alike. The team's transition phase mirrored the country's ongoing economic, energy, and social transformations.
The upcoming football tournament was not exempt from Germany's signature cautious progress. While the team showed promise, its journey was slow, reminiscent of the country's train system, sometimes viewed as less than perfect by visitors.
Despite the occasional setbacks, Germany's hospitality during the tournament was commended. A renowned journalist from the "New York Times" even highlighted the Germans' kindness, emphasizing that the country was utmost professional, yet still in transition, both on and off the field.
