What's Happening to Me?

I never thought the words would escape my lips, but GO GERMANY!

Sure they smashed the Socceroos 4-0 that essentially made the task of progressing beyond the group phase nigh on impossible, but the way they go about their football is exactly what this World Cup has needed. This tournament has been boring at times, especially during the early games, but the Germans have played a brand of football that has converted even this critic into a real fan.

I must admit I’ll be supporting Uruguay to win the World Cup given I drew them in the office sweep (it’s true, my support can be bought for a mere $300), but if they don’t win it my efforts on the vuvuzela in the early hours of the morning, despite the protestations of my neighbours, will be aimed in the direction of the Germans.

Normally pragmatic, taking no risks, and wearing teams down rather than tearing them apart, this German team is more Brazil than brick wall. Maybe it’s got something to do with the team’s mix. They’re more like a club side than a national team with their combination of Polish, Turkish, Tunisian, Ghanaian, Nigerian, Brazilian, Bosnian, and Spanish blood running through their veins, not to mention the new-age Germans in their ranks. I haven’t seen this much mixed blood since the legendary George Best was bedding super models from the four corners of the globe.

Heck, they even look cool!

Gone are the days of the daggy German with their mullets, skivvy’s and moustaches, and in are the cool haircuts and designer clothes. Although it must be said Thomas Mueller is still channelling the trends of East Germans past with his dodgy hair-do! He really does need to visit a hardresser pronto, and while he’s at it he should drop in to McDonalds and eat a few cheeseburgers. A couple of more kilos on his bones wouldn’t go astray. After all, there’s a reason Maradona mistook him for a ballboy at a press conference a few months back. But there’s no doubting his talent, along with the other members of this German squad.

And how about the sight of the coach Joachim Loew and his assistants on the substitutes bench in a classic black suit with long sleeved V-neck shirt underneath? That was almost as surprising as the brand of football the team are playing. The coach should definitely join Mueller on his excursion to the local barber, but he’s certainly got his team playing in a way that has surprised everyone. Perhaps that’s the reason why they have performed so well at this World Cup, their opponents thought they’d be they’re old boring self.

Next it will emerge they’re all Facebook and Twitter experts they’re so modern!

The Germans have joined the rest of us in the 21^st century and I for one couldn’t be happier. This funky, trendy, cutting edge country has my support even beyond this World Cup, and surprisingly enough I don’t even think I’ll be embarrassed to admit it…maybe.

Cactus Chris Couch