I watched Sunday's World Cup Final hosted this year in Germany on a big screen hung inside a retired power station in downtown Berlin. As I watched I enjoyed beer from the Herzogliches Brauhaus Tegernsee—beer on tap from Ketchum's sister city in Germany.
Emotions ran high as visitors from around the world joined Berliners and Germans nationwide for the final match in a month of soccer that has brought new meaning to German hospitality.
Germans and their fans even waved and wore the black, red and yellow flag with a confidence and nationalistic joy most have been hesitant to share for decades. On the street the flag was as ubiquitous as the U.S. banner was after 9/11.
But, here in Germany, the feeling associated with flag waving was more of a celebration of nations united in sport and the lightness and peace that has surrounded soccer in Germany this summer.
The World Cup matches themselves were often bitter battles of talent and tactics. But, like the overall atmosphere in Germany there was suitable balance in the end.
As the world watched Italy oust Germany in the final minute of their July 4 semi-final match, tears and disappointment gushed forth on the streets of Berlin. Carrying folding chairs and beer, neighbors flooded out of their homes and into closed intersections to watch the match projected on countless video screens.
But Germany's dream of becoming World Cup champions in their own reunified country was crushed by two Italian goals in the final minute of overtime.
Then, after weeks of dry weather and matches played in all corners of the country, it really did flood. Basements filled with water around the country following a heavy "Donner und Blitzen." Then, the air cooled and Germany beat Portugal to win third place in Saturday's consolation.
The atmosphere returned to one of jubilation as fans leaped into the streets to celebrate Germany, soccer and the victory. Everywhere in the city people waved their favorite flags and dribbled balls. As I sent post cards from Alexanderplatz in the former East Berlin a fan kicked a ball to a friend in the post office.
In most of the world, soccer fever knows no bounds.
German flags weren't the only banners out. Fans from many, many nations including the early-defeated U.S. crammed "Fan Mile" that ran from Brandenburg Gate to the Siegessäule—the victory tower made famous in Wim Wenders' film "The Himmel über Berlin."
As the city begins to prepare "Fan Mile" for the annual Berlin Love Parade that begins this weekend it's clear in Berlin there is always a reason to party. Certainly the 2006 World Cup brought more action to the city and especially to the smaller cities that hosted matches than has been seen in Germany since East/West were divided by the Berlin Wall.
Just as concrete crumbling at the hands of the people beginning in Nov. 1989 signified German reunification and the end of the Cold War, the "Fan Mile" and soccer this summer in Germany are being seen as revitalization of the Germany's reputation in the world.
Indeed, some disappointed by the Italian penalty kick shootout victory Sunday night over France did fight with police. Others celebrated peacefully. On the whole hooliganism wasn't a part of the 2006 World Cup matches.
The tension of competition during the World Cup was most evident when television caught Zinédine Zidane in an unusual display of temper as he headbutted Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest in the final moments of overtime leading up to a final shootout that gave Italy the glory Sunday night.
At the power station the mood of the audience shifted dramatically as if someone had thrown a switch turning out the lights.
In addition to Brasil's Pelé who was frequently featured in media broadcasts, one of the most important experts at the 2006 World Cup was Franz Beckenbauer, Germany's famed 1974 World Cup champion. He openly criticised players for their heavy fouling and attempts to manipulate referees.
Despite a career that ended with a red card and ejection from Sunday's final game, Zidane was voted Monday as the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 World Cup. Spain and Brasil, both losers this year, were voted as the fairest teams.
As Berlin begins to prepare for the Love Parade perhaps there is balance in the world. I will certainly remember that the goalies hugged before the shootout in one of many examples of good sportsmanship.
In this photo sent from Berlin, Italians rejoice at their victory over France in Sunday's World Cup final. Express photo by Matt Furber
