Germans revel in first World Cup win in 24 years

Tuesday, 15 July 2014 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Jubilant Germans celebrated in the streets on Sunday night, lighting fireworks, embracing strangers, honking car horns and revelling in their first World Cup win in 24 years. Roars of delight soared from Berlin’s massive fan zone, stretching 1.3 kilometres from the Brandenburg Gate, where 300,000 fans had braved torrential downpours and thunder storms to endure an agonising 113 goalless minutes before a Mario Goetze volley gave Germany a fourth World Cup crown. “This is such an awesome feeling. I’m overwhelmed. The team kept us waiting for that goal, but we won in the end and that’s what matters,” said 23-year-old Marcus Angrick from Bernau, outside Berlin. “This team is so good, we won’t have to wait another 24 years to win again.” Thousands of fans streamed down West Berlin’s famous Kurfuerstendamm, waving flags and umbrellas after watching Germany become the first European team to lift the World Cup on South American soil. On neighbouring streets, cars revved loudly and honked horns, while girls in wigs with Germany colours and flags hung out of windows and rode on car roofs. Others climbed lamp posts, toasting Germany’s victory with beers and chanting, “Germany, Champions, Hallelujah!” “1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 – we fought hard for our fourth win and it was totally deserved. Congratulations,” tweeted Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert, referring to Germany’s four World Cup titles. He had travelled with the chancellor to Rio de Janeiro for the final. Crowds whooped with delight as they watched Merkel, nicknamed “Mutti” or ‘mummy’ in Germany, embrace each German player after the match. “Yes, yes yes!!! Jogi you did it!! Huge compliment to Argentina but the best team won the 2014 World Cup!” tweeted U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann. Klinsmann was Germany’s manager during the 2006 World Cup, when current manager Joachim Loew, affectionately known as ‘Jogi’ in Germany, was his assistant. “I’m really delighted,” said 49-year-old Berlin nurse Simone Sieg, grinning because her name means ‘victory’ in Germany. “I remember the last time Germany won the World Cup in 1990. I was watching at home in East Berlin. Germany hadn’t even been reunited then. So much has changed about how we celebrate – it is wonderful.” Football and the success of the national team since the World Cup Germany hosted in 2006, is credited with allowing Germans to take pride in their nation and wave flags and paint their faces with unprecedented ease. Previously Germans had been highly uncomfortable at any display of nationalism because of the country’s history. “It was an anxious game. I was trembling and shaking,” German President Joachim Gauck, who had also travelled to Rio, told German television. “But now I’m thrilled,” he added. Argentina’s Sabella sad but proud of team

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters): Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella heaped praise on his team after Sunday’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat by Germany on Sunday, saying they gave their all but lacked cutting edge in front of goal during an even game. “They played a fantastic World Cup. There’s nothing to blame them for,” a drained-looking Sabella said at a news conference after Mario Goetze’s extra time volley sunk his team. “Today we had our chances but we just lacked efficiency. In general terms, though, I am very proud. Beyond the pain of defeat they can look each other in the eye, and look in the mirror, and know they gave their all for Argentina.” Striker Gonzalo Higuain missed Argentina’s best chance when a careless header towards his own goal by Germany’s Tony Kroos put him put him clear with only Manuel Neuer to beat, but he dragged his shot wide. Messi saw plenty of the ball but got few breakthroughs, only escaping his markers once but angling a shot wide. “This was a very even match. They (Germany) are a great team. The match had its ups and downs. Germany had greater command of play and possession. Our games are very similar and when there are chances, you have to convert,” Sabella said. “Then in these big games, if you make a mistake and let a goal in, it’s very difficult to come back. But the only thing I can do is congratulate my players, they did an extraordinary job, and congratulate Germany for the title.” Sabella, whose agent has said he would stand down after the World Cup final, declined to discuss his future. “The future for me in this moment is to be with the players, to be with the coaching staff, to be with my family, to rest a bit. About the future, I can’t really say anything,” he said. Asked if Messi had missed a chance to join the world’s greats by not winning the World Cup, Sabella said the Argentina captain and Barcelona forward had already answered that debate. “I think Lionel reached the pantheon of the greats a while back,” he said, adding that Messi fully deserved his “Golden Ball” award for best player. “He played a great World Cup to get us where he did. I think it’s very deserved.” The coach described the mood among his charges in Argentina’s dressing room as somber. “It is the silence of the warrior because they were warriors. They left their skin out there, their last drop of sweat on the pitch,” he said. “The players are very bitter. We had a great dream. We wanted to win the final. To be perfect, we had to be more efficient. I’m sad like the players. On the one hand, it’s a normal pain to have not won. But on the other, I’m satisfied because the group gave their all, they’re a marvelous group.” Argentina should be praised and remembered for reaching their first final since 1990, he said. “I leave with a double feeling – the frustration of not achieving the dream, but also the satisfaction of having fulfilled our duty to give 100 percent.” Midfielder Javier Mascherano summed up the players’ disappointment. “We gave what we could and we are sorry for the people who came and for the people in Argentina,” he said. “Unfortunately the pain is going to be for life because this was our opportunity. That’s what we felt. Football is like that. We’ll have to lift our heads to try and bear the pain.”