Bierhoff: Germany is the second most important football market
Former professional footballer Oliver Bierhoff is surprised that the supporting program is appreciated in American football and not in soccer. "What surprises me here in Germany, in contrast, is that we have to discuss it when Helene Fischer performs during half-time at the cup final. And two weeks later it's like: How great that stars like Beyoncé or Rihanna are performing at the Superbowl," Bierhoff told dpa. "I believe that it is precisely this mixture of a great show and spectacular, dynamic moves that is making football increasingly popular in Germany."
In October, Bierhoff took on an advisory role with the New England Patriots, who play a season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Frankfurt Football Stadium on Sunday (3.30 pm/RTL and DAZN). The 55-year-old's time with the DFB, which he accompanied for a long time first as a player and later as an official, ended after the World Cup in Qatar last December. Now Bierhoff is promoting football. "Germany is now the second most important market after the USA," said Bierhoff.
He sees clear discrepancies, particularly in the dramaturgy and the behavior of the fans. "The biggest difference to soccer is certainly that you sit relatively attentively in your seat for 90 minutes at a Bundesliga or international match and follow the game, while fan chants can be heard continuously in the stadium. It's different in football because the game lasts much longer and there are always ups and downs," said Bierhoff.
In his new role, Bierhoff is working with the New England Patriots, a renowned American Football team, who will be playing against the Indianapolis Colts at the Frankfurt Football Stadium this Sunday. Despite Germany being the second most important football market after the USA, the enthusiasm for halftime performances in American Football is not met with the same enthusiasm in German soccer, as illustrated by the divide in reactions to Helene Fischer's performance at the cup final versus Beyoncé's performance at the Superbowl.
Source: www.dpa.com
