Das Wunder von Ber(li)n - The Miracle of Ber(li)n
Friday, 5 p.m. The long awaited game between Germany and Argentina, also feared by some, has begun. More than 80 people have gatherd in our church. In the meantime over 100 people gather here to watch the game. At the beginning there is not much excitement in the air. Argentina's 1:0 only manages to enthuse a few people, not like the 1:1 which follows. Slowly the level of excitement is rising. Many comments about the techniques used in the game, missed chances and the referee's decisions are heard. At least Germany is not played off the field as some predicted. The extra time at the end doesn't change the 1:1 tie. The penalty shoot out takes people in its ban. Even those who were not ruffled by the goals scored up until this point are slowly joining in the choir of voices chanting for the players and the goalie. After stopping two goals and scoring four themselves, it is very clear for Germany: They are in the semi-finals! Now there is no stopping them. Several cars leave the premises to join the sea of vehicles bearing flags and heading for the Ku'Damm. As it is out of bounds for traffic, the vehicles disperse onto the nearby streets. The Lietzenburger Straße is just as good for this kind of thing. The traffic is moving painfully slowly, but no-one is bothered by this. The honking of horns on the streets is deafening. It seems that the rules of the road are just not applicable any more. Only the red lights are observed- and this just to let the drivers out to dance on the road! There are Germany flags wherever you look- waved by pedestrians and passengers alike, and held out of any possible opening, hanging on windows, bicycles and motorbikes. Many have wrapped themselves in a flag or are wearing it as a shawl, have hung a black-red-gold garland around their necks, dyed their hair in the same colours or are wearing a wig of the same. Berlin is celebrating- and is waiting for the next round. Certain voices can already be heard: If Argentina can be beaten, then the other teams won't be much of a problem. Maybe Germany will win the World Cup after all!