New Delhi: Almost a thousand people joined German Ambassador Michael Steiner, in the Capital, to watch Deutschland’s epic win over Argentina in the World Cup. Steiner was overwhelmed at the number of people that showed up to support the country. “We may not have enough beer as I never expected so many people. So, please drink slowly†he lamented as the games began.
Germany was crowned world champions for the fourth time on Monday, after Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner. But before the goal, over 110 minutes of game stretched people’s patience to see their country score. Argentina’s goal in the first half was given a strong dose of disapproval but the foul sign brought everyone back to drinking German beer and some good old sausages (doubt the sausages were German though).
The flourishing Indo-German ties were exemplified by ex-pats being joined by over enthusiastic Indians, if not more eager to see the European nation slam the legendary Lionel Messi’s team in a nail-biter to the very end.
German substitute Mario Goetze scored in the 113th minute to account for the win before a capacity crowd of about 75,000 fans at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gotze’s sudden demonstration of perfect technique left everyone at Shanti Path screaming with ecstasy. His commendable calm to chest down Andre Schurrle’s pass and sweep in a left-foot finish with the prospect of a penalty shootout only seven minutes away, was exactly what the revellers needed.
The goal triggered memories of the one by Spain’s Andres Iniesta just before the end of extra time in a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup championship in South Africa. It also gave Germany its fourth World Cup title but the first as a unified country. West Germany won in 1954, 1974 and 1990. It united with East Germany in October of 1990.
The final game lacked nothing. It was emotional, tense and powerful, with both teams playing their very best. But in the end Germany’s strong team – where there was no one star. No one hero –demonstrated their might with the most ultimate win.