It was the 51st minute of the highly anticipated EM quarterfinal in Stuttgart between Spain and Germany on July 5th, when Spanish midfielder Olmo coolly scored to make it 1-0 for Spain. The German team, which had disappointed in recent years, was facing a severe test of their mentality and capability.
Coach Nagelsmann made several changes. Supported by their fantastic home fans, the team fought back. But it was difficult. The clock was ticking, and it all seemed over until … in the 89th minute … Florian Wirtz rewarded “Die Mannschaft” for their resilience by equalizing the score and pushing the game into extra time. Both sides gave it their all, playing with a lot of heart and many would later say this was the best game of the championship.
Tragically for Germany, Spain scored in the 119th minute, just one minute away from the penalty shootout. Even then, German heads did not drop, and their industrious striker Füllkrug missed the target by only a few centimeters with a fine header. But it was not meant to be that day. Germany lost, and the dream of winning the “Heim-Euros” ended there for the host.
What happened afterwards was remarkable. While Germany had lost (and there was much talk about a not-given penalty), everyone felt that the German team’s performance made the fans and the entire country proud. After eight years in the doldrums, where Germany barely advanced past group stages at international tournaments, the team had clearly caught up with great football powers such as Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands. This was a huge achievement, given the questionable results leading up to the tournament, with losses against Austria, Turkey, Japan, Poland, and Colombia. German fans had anticipated another disaster for the 2024 Euros. But the coach and team were ready, inspiring the fans and winning back their hearts.
During the press conference the day after the quarterfinal loss, a clearly struggling Coach Nagelsmann answered the press’s questions. At one point, he could not hold back his tears and became very emotional when he spoke about the group’s togetherness, positivity, and support during the last few weeks. Overwhelmed with emotion, he authentically described the situation: “There was a symbiosis between the team and the people in the country, and I hope we can continue this symbiosis in even more important areas. If we always succumb to gloom and everything is bad, nothing will improve. This applies to football and everyday life.”
Being in Germany during the quarterfinal, I sensed that the loss against Spain did not necessarily feel like a loss, but rather an important step back towards regaining the qualities that symbolize the German team and nation: a spirit of not giving up, seizing opportunities, and working hard together as a team.
Why am I telling this story?
I think this European Championship touched many people’s hearts and released deep-rooted emotions of joy and also substantial grief within seconds.
Given the state of affairs in the world, with conflicts, wars, crises, uncertainties, and upcoming elections, there is much room for concern. But what I think we can take away from this championship is a spirit of togetherness, positivity, and the idea that showing our emotions is nothing to be ashamed of.
As Nagelsmann added in that press conference, “I have been told that it is not often the case that nearly every player who leaves the camp has tears in their eyes.” It was touching and unseen for a German National Coach to cry, making him personable, authentic, and human. He expressed what many Germans felt and showed that boys do cry sometimes and for a good reason.
I personally believe, we can all do a little more in sharing how we really feel, not in a big press conference, but with our friends and relatives. This will bring us closer together. We can also reach out to others, help and support them, and with this togetherness, we can work through difficult times with a smile on our faces.
And I strongly believe that’s how we all can win together in a game that might look somewhat tough and gloomy at the moment.
Let’s go for it!!
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