Germany v. Australia

Well after Saturday evening, I did not think that I could have a more entertaining evening in Freiburg. I was wrong. Sunday evening was the most exciting evening I have had thus far in Germany.

As you may already know, Germany played Australia on Sunday for their opening World Cup Match.

Inspired by the chance to cheer on the national team with our fellow Freiburgers, a group of us made our way to one of the larger parks in town to watch the game on a giant big screen (seen above).

I would say there was close to 10,000 people in the park (think: the largest Sundown you've ever been to). Everyone was decked out in their German garb including fake Black, Red and Yellow mohawks.

As we entered the park we received a customary security pat down and took in the spectacle before us. To our right was probably a 20 by 25 foot screen, in front of us was 10,000 fans and along the back a ring of food and drink vendors ready to supply any of our traditional German festival cuisine. Initially overwhelmed by the whole experience we sat back and planned our course of action to make it back to the right corner where the rest of our party was situated. With no real path in site, with a beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other we waded through the cheering masses. (note to self: learn how to say excuse me in German). After a few bumps stepped on feet we finally made it to the back corner where the crowed began to thin out and rendezvoused with the rest of the group.

The game was the biggest blowout in the World Cup thus far resulting in a final score of 4-0 in Germany's favor. With each goal the crowd bellowed a tumultuous chant not comprehensible to this American's ears. Complementing the chant was the South African horn and some foghorns that I had seen on sale at the department store blaring the well known chant "Ole Ole Ole Ole..." At the game's conclusion the energy did not simply die down, it swelled in tidal wave form and crashed at the town's center. We boarded the tram and rode it just outside of downtown, then the tram stopped. A VAG (the transit authority) official came on and in broken English said to me, "Making big party in city, no tram, you must get off." Two stops away from city center we got off and walked our way into town.
This was the scene we witnessed:
The crowd of people seen to your right are congregating at the crossroads of all the major tram lines and hence why we had to get off of VAG line #3.

The fervor from the win lasted well into the evening. The locals spent the evening dancing on the tables at the bars and singing their dear national soccer chants and anthems.

It truly was a site to behold and I am glad I was able to witness it.

This week consisted of our normal classes on trade and negotiations.

This weekend (well beginning at 6:52 am) we make our way to Berlin! We arrive at 1:30 and the USA game begins at 4:00 pm. Should make for an enjoyable weekend for sure.

- J. Ryan Sowell