Germany Fans Crushed by Loss But See Silver Lining

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Doping tests at the World Cup?

As a soccer fan who does not know too much about soccer, I have made the following observation pertaining to the Italian team. Against the USA, they were slow and played a mediocre game. Throughout the Cup, the Italians were very inconsistent, contrary to the German team who maintained their style and great performance. Having seen the Italians come to life for the first time in the game against Germany, I cannot help but wonder, what exactly happened to cause such a turn-around in performance? Though I have seen many sports events in the USA, I have never seen a team that has displayed such an improvement as the Italians did. In the USA, this sudden change in performance would be suspect and subject to testing (dope). Does the FIFA also test during the World Cup? Just curious. No, I am not a sore loser because of the USA team being eliminated so early, I am merely making observations. I'd love to receive your response. -- Anita Morrell

DW-WORLD.DE checked it out. According to the FIFA website, random doping test were conducting by specialized doctors in the matches that led up to the World Cup as well as in the training camps. All the national team doctors signed a pledge promising to support FIFA's anti-doping strategy. Their motto: "An injury- and doping-free football festival for 2006."

Many would be happy to see coach Juergen Klinsmann stay

Soccer was boring…until Germany played

Hello, I am just a girl from NZ who had never watched football before in her life -- I even thought the sport was a little silly before! But then the FIFA World Cup started and my friend in Germany asked me to just watch one match. I did, and never looked back. I watched all the teams during the Cup, but the one that stuck with me was Germany. People all around me were putting them down and criticising them, even before their first game. But then they gave everything they had, and when their fans cheered louder Ballack and his crew fought harder. I watched as this Germany team gave their heart, soul and spirit to make their fans proud. Klose became the World Cup's top scorer. Lehmann played so brilliantly -- he's up for top player. Ballack was injured during a game but refused to give up, even though he was in pain. I was amazed at how much heart and determination this team was showing. So, Germany has lost its semi-final -- so what! Germany, you have a right to be proud! You have a team that showed so much skill, so much pride -- and that has astounded & impressed people worldwide since the very first match. And they will only get better. So, please wave your flags, dress yourselves up, show us again how proud, patriotic and amazing our hosts truly are! -- Erin Mackey, New Zealand

The German spirit can't be beat

From what I've seen, the host nation has been great and handled everything well, but what has impressed me most is the resolve and enthusiasm of the players on the field. They definitely won me over during the tournament and I am sad to see Germany lose, but with such young talent, am hopeful to see some great performances in the future from the German side. -- Michael Terry

Fans say Germany deserves to be proud

Okay...so you didn't win...But look at what you gave the world to see! What a game! In my opinion, the world came to a complete standstill until the first goal was made! It will be the game talked about for years! It doesn't matter who won or lost, that's in the score book. What really matters is the determination from both teams that gave the world an event that will be remembered beyond our lifetimes. Both countries have something to be proud of, regardless who won and who lost. It was the players' spirit that captured the interest of the world! So cheer up and enjoy...there's will always be a next time. -- M.L. Cole

Come on Germany, do not grieve for more than 10 minutes over your loss to Italy. You hosted the World Cup and you took in the Soca Warriors with open arms. Thirty-five thousand of you supported us at Kaiserslautern, knowing that we would not make it to the round of 16. We may never have this many people support us ever again, even in our own home country. We in turn showed you the game is not everything. We celebrated each of our three games in the happiest of ways, as you should celebrate being the best hosts ever to stage these games. You have made all participating nations unreservedly welcome. We, the Soca Warriors, felt especially favored, but no doubt all visitors to these games must surely feel the same. The World Cup 2006 will set the standard for future World Cups in country pride and celebrations. Get back out there and show us all that match results, even up to the final, are only a minor part of the massive international goodwill you have gained by staging these games. Celebration equals dignity. Be dignified. -- George Butcher, Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago lost to Paraguay 0-2 in Kaiserslautern

My family and I watched the game today -- Germany can be so proud, I certainly was. Good showing and a wonderful World Cup! It was great seeing the German pride and show of their colors and flags! Great job! -- Elfriede Parsons

From across the Channel…

Germany: the hosts of the best World Cup ever! I'm an Englishman who cheered for Germany and was disappointed by your loss. But be proud, your team has been fantastic, Klinsi is a revelation, your supporters are magnificent and the excitement of this World Cup has been unrivalled. Thank you all very much. Maybe next time the England team can live up to the high standards of the Germans! -- Mike

…and beyond

My son (aged nine) is a fan of this team. He slept early & woke up at 12:30 a.m. (it is CET+3hrs30min in Bangalore), and watched 120 minutes of play. Then he cried. -- Sridhar Uppada, India

I am a German football fan from Albania. It was a pleasure to see Klinsmann's boys play like that. I think it was wonderful and hope that we will win the next World Cup. -- Ladi

Although I currently live in the USA, I lived in Germany for six years and my husband is German. I have never been as passionate about the World Cup as I have been this year! We watched the Italy-Germany game with Italian friends and with great humor they let me scream my head off, complete with cursing in German, throughout the game. I was heartbroken to see Germany lose the game and yet, what I see is a new and wonderful and shiny German pride emerging that is long overdue. GO DEUTSCHLAND! YOU HAVE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE! Who knows? We may even end up with your coach, although I would prefer he stay with his wonderful team. I secretly do not want the USA to get that good in "Fussball!"

"Italy won fair and square"

Germany didn't "really" win at all

I saw all of Germany's games and I haven't seen a host country play so poorly at home. Who did they beat? No one. Ecuador, Poland, and Sweden are a joke. They didn't beat Argentina or Italy either. The balloon exploded in their face....Anyway I can assure you we will see better football from anyone but Germany. -- Natan Lubenfeld

German fan since '74

I was 10 years old when I watched my first World Cup, and ever since 1974 I have been a die-hard German team fan. I can't describe how sad I am the German team did not make the final. However, I'm proud of how well the team played, despite utilizing younger players. At the same time, one has to congratulate the Italian team for winning fair and square. -- Carlos R. Quintana, Torrance, California

Kudos for Klinsmann

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the German team. I hope that Klinsmann stays and that the team does not lose hope. They really did their country proud. What a fantastic (semi-final) match (from someone who normally hates football.) I have watched all of Germany's matches and enjoyed every one. -- Doreen Hill

Klinsmann should stay and continue his job. Klinsmann has done a good job for the Germans. He took them to the semi-final. I think he has done very well, so please congratulate him and support him too as the German coach. They did very well, only luck is not on their side. -- Abu Karim