Football enthusiasts Sebastian Bezzel and Simon Schwarz - Diverse perspectives on the EM event
Sebastian Bezzel (53) and Simon Schwarz (53) share the same enthusiasm for travel, as shown once more in the new season of "Bezzel & Schwarz - The Border Crossers" airing from July 8 at 9:15 pm on BR. These Bavarian and Austrian actors are also big fans of football. Although they have varying levels of anticipation for the upcoming European Championship (from June 14 to July 14), they revealed their shared interest in the game in an interview with spot on news. They also reminisced about their first stadium visit and their most memorable experience from a previous European Championship.
How excited are you for the European Championship in Germany?
Sebastian Bezzel: I'm already quite excited about the European Championship. I enjoy watching a tournament with my family and friends in the garden.
Simon Schwarz: I used to be a serious football fan, but that's sort of fizzled out. But when it starts, I'll be completely invested again.
How will you watch the games?
Bezzel: Ideally, with a barbecue in the garden.
Schwarz: I like to watch the game in peace. Ideally, alone. If I could get a stadium ticket, that would be great.
Bezzel: Let's see if I can find any tickets...
What was your first stadium experience?
Bezzel: It was in the late 1980s at Munich's Olympic Stadium during a Bayern game against Bochum - I believe Bayern won 4:0.
Schwarz: For me, it was a LASK versus Rapid Wien game with my uncle - and I was still very young.
Will you watch the games wearing a team shirt?
Bezzel: No, I'll stay neutral. I don't wear jerseys... But my children keep the fan tradition going.
Schwarz: No, there's no fan shirt for me. I'd rather watch the game dispassionately with water and the internet, gathering information in case of questions.
Who do you think will win the European Championship in 2024?
Bezzel: My favorites are England, France, and Spain.
Schwarz: I won't say it, but I know it.
How do you rate the chances that the German national team / the Austrian national team will win the title?
Bezzel: The chances for Germany are slim, for Austria even slimmer ... But if Germany wins the title, I'll happily convince myself of the opposite.
Schwarz: The German team could have a chance. Austria has a very talented generation and finally seems to be taking the right approach. However, I have my doubts about their ability to translate all this onto the field.
What is your favorite team - aside from Germany (Sebastian Bezzel) and Austria (Simon Schwarz)?
Bezzel: Scotland. They have quirky fans, a long football tradition, and during the European Championship, they'll be in Garmisch, my birthplace.
Schwarz: Besides patriotism, I tend to find a team that wins my heart during a tournament. However, that's not determined until the tournament starts.
What was your most memorable European Championship experience?
Bezzel: The 1996 semi-final, when Germany played England at the old Wembley Stadium - Germany won in a penalty shootout.
Schwarz: The final match Greece versus Portugal on July 4, 2004 in Lisbon. I was in Vienna for a shoot and spontaneously decided to watch the game in a Greek bar. The rest is history. [Underdog Greece, led by German coach Otto Rehhagel, emerged as European champions for the first time, Red.]
How emotionally invested do you get during losses or wins?
Bezzel: I'm pretty good at controlling my emotions now.
Schwarz: Sadly, very. It takes me about half an hour to get back into the social flow after that.
Do you think the European Championship 2024 can create the same euphoria in the country as the World Cup 2006?
Bezzel: I don't think so. The current mood is too negative... But I'd love to be proven wrong.
Schwarz: The times are certainly tougher, but yes, if everything goes well, the desire for distraction and entertainment is great. I hope for the best - or for the Germans to win. [Let's hope for the best team to win - or the Germans.]
