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Germany’s apparent efficiency has been debunked as a myth, as evidenced by the limited operations on Sundays and the reliance on cash in many small shops. The use of fax machines and overwhelming bureaucracy also hinder simple administrative tasks. My personal experience of obtaining German residency involved a lengthy process of four appointments with government agencies and a notary, spanning over a year. Despite being informed through mail that I could access my permit online via an app, the instructions for downloading the app arrived weeks later also via mail, yet the app proved to be dysfunctional.
I couldn’t help but notice the Euro 2024 organizers recently publicly criticized the host nation for their bureaucratic inefficiencies, causing a rather somber realization.
“If we have any particular inquiries, Uefa guides us to the respective federal states,” stated Mex Schär, managing director of the tournament. “Upon further questioning, we are directed to the federal government. We require precise instructions and dedication.” Markus Stenger, his co-managing director, chimed in, “We have a tremendous opportunity, but the political enthusiasm is not evident.”
At first glance, it seems like Euro 2024 this summer will be popular. It will be the first European Championship held in a unified Germany, a country that is passionate about football and has experience hosting major events. Additionally, all the necessary stadiums and infrastructure are already in place. In comparison to the controversies surrounding recent tournaments such as Russia 2018, Plagueland 2021, Qatar 2022, and the 2026 joint hosting by USA, Canada, and Mexico, Germany 2024 may bring a sense of refreshment and balance as a standalone, complete tournament.
This is the general idea, however Germany has a tendency to miss easy opportunities both on and off the field. With only 100 days left until the tournament, there is little evidence of preparation outside of the football media and large replica trophies found in train stations. The country’s railway system has suffered from strikes, delays, and insufficient funding. It has been reported that many Dutch fans are opting to travel by bicycle due to a lack of confidence in the transportation network.
The interest, branding, and logistics will be increased in the upcoming months. While the 10 host cities are doing a commendable job, and there is great excitement with 2.3 million ticket applications for just the final game, there is a noticeable absence of support and organized messaging for the tournament. The overall strategy seems to rely on vague optimism that everything will go smoothly. Stenger summed it up by saying that the federal government has not shown a clear vision for the tournament.
Germany is in need of a significant summer. The tournament’s director, Philipp Lahm, expressed high hopes for Euro 2024, describing it as a pivotal moment for Europe and society as a whole. Despite only being four weeks long, this international football tournament holds immense expectations. Lahm stated in an October article for Kicker that this event serves as a revival of the European concept, promoting resilience in the face of crises and conflicts in the future. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening and celebrating European values such as democracy, freedom, diversity, tolerance, integration, and inclusion.
Lahm’s bold argument is for football to serve as a unifying force against political populism and division, not only for Germany but for the entire continent. While it may sound idealistic, Lahm may be influenced by his own personal experiences during the 2006 World Cup. As the underdogs, the German team captivated the nation and reached the semi-finals through positive sentiment, perfect weather, and a renewed sense of patriotism. This tournament, known as the “summer fairytale” or “Sommermärchen”, still holds a special and significant place in German culture.
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“According to Thomas Hitzlsperger, a former team member and current popular commentator, it was like one giant celebration. The excellent weather, connecting with loved ones back home, and overall joy made each day a memorable and joyful experience.”
The 2006 World Cup represented a pivotal moment in German history, a significant period where they were successful in all aspects. The country was content with its identity and symbols, open-minded and accepting, with a flourishing economy and a dynamic cultural landscape. They had efficient transportation systems, advanced football stadiums, and skilled players like Lahm and Podolski. While it may be mostly a legend, it remains a powerful narrative of national pride and joy. “Sommermärchen 2.0, that’s the ideal,” proclaimed Julian Nagelsmann when he became the new head coach for the national team in September. “I am fully committed to making it happen again.”
However, the Germany in 2024 is a vastly changed nation, displaying more anger, division, and uncertainty about its global standing. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have highlighted Germany’s dependence on inexpensive Russian energy and its societal divisions regarding its longstanding and automatic backing of Israel. The results of recent polls have positioned the far-right AfD as the second-largest political party in the country, sparking anti-fascist demonstrations in various German cities.
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Nagelsmann has taken over as the temporary head coach, replacing Hansi Flick, who was dismissed after the team’s three failed tournaments. He now leads a team that lacks depth, particularly in defense and attack, and has become disconnected from their fans. Some players even expressed doubts about the support they received from their own country during the last World Cup.
“In the past few decades, Germany has consistently come out as victorious in tournaments,” as stated by Hitzlsperger. “However, recently they have had a streak of unfortunate losses. This is not to say that they always play poorly, but they have a tendency to find a way to lose. Despite having some exceptionally skilled players, our defensive strategies are still lacking, even when we have possession. Additionally, our attacking capabilities are not on par with those of other teams. During the Qatar tournament, there were instances where the team felt as though their own country was hoping for their defeat, which is clearly not the case. Nevertheless, this only adds to the pressure they feel as they compete on their home ground.”
Germany enters a home tournament, battling against their history. In the past 11 major tournaments, they have fallen behind in all of their games. Not since 2016 have they won a knockout game. Additionally, they have been assigned a challenging draw, ranked as the second toughest among the seeded nations. Hungary holds an unbeaten record against Germany in competitive games since 1954. Switzerland has not faced a loss since 2008. Both teams boast a strong core of players with experience in the Bundesliga league. Scotland is also on the rise and eager to surprise in the opening match. To succeed, Germany must regain their lost qualities of unity, purpose, and determination. And perhaps most importantly, efficiency.
However, the rewards outweigh the effort. Football is not responsible for keeping trains on schedule, repairing a dysfunctional public sector, or bridging political divides for an extended period of time. However, it excels at what it does.
Hitzlsperger states that life has become more challenging with events such as war and the Covid pandemic, leading to a significant amount of negative news. As a result, people are looking for a respite and football has the ability to provide that. However, it is not likely to result in any permanent changes, but for those four weeks, it can be a source of enjoyment for people.
Source: theguardian.com
