In this World Cup season, it seems like there are only two sides to pick from. As a Bangladeshi fan, one is expected to either chant for Brazil, or Argentina. But there is one country everyone keeps ignoring who are not only capable of winning the ultimate trophy, but also has the history to back it up.
Yes, I am taking about Germany; also lovingly called Die Mannschaft, or ‘The team,’ and make no mistake, they are always ‘The team’ to look out for in every iteration of the competition.
There are two ways to play this competition. The usual way and ‘The German way.’ Just like German engineering is known all over the world for its quality, durability, and performance, the German team echoes that sentiment in their playing style.
You can see their organisation, their will, and their professionalism when they get to work. Ask teams like Saudi Arabia (8-0 in 2002), Brazil (7-1 in 2014) or Curaçao (7-1 in 2026) what it is like to get a German thrashing. Football commentators will say that they showed their opponents respect and treated the game like a job that had to be done perfectly.
Unlike other teams who depend on a superstar to lead them to glory, it’s all about the team when it comes to Germany. Can you remember the last time you thought of one particular player whom you thought of as a superstar in the Germany team?
Sure, there were great players, there always were but there was not one player to single out like you can single out Ronaldo, Messi, or Neymar. Yet, Germany has always been one of the top five favourites because of the team. Here, it is all about the team and not about the glorification of a single player.
The loudest fans in Bangladesh are the Brazil and Argentina supporters. And they go at each other like they are owed money. And every time there is an argument between them, they use Germany as a weapon.
Specifically, the 2014 World Cup was a particularly traumatic experience for both of them. One of them got a thrashing, and the other one literally lost the trophy to Germany. Yet, they argue using Germany rather shamelessly. For them, the German fans say: “met them, beat them, got a trophy to show them.”
Granted that the present team is not in the greatest shape and there is room for improvement, but so does every other team. With many of the veterans retiring and a new generation of players taking over, it has been difficult at times but that is normal.
But just imagine, if a German team that is still in rebuilding process can score 7-1, what a well-equipped Germany football team can do. And with that in mind, they are once again one of the big names to look out for in this competition.
So, fasten your seatbelts, because the German team is just getting started.
