FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Germany wasn't just eliminated from the World Cup on Monday night. For many, the loss represented more than just a sporting defeat: another national institution losing its strength and authority.
The 2014 world champions, who have struggled at every major tournament since 2016, were defeated by Paraguay, losing 3-4 on penalties and being eliminated from the tournament being held in the Americas.
But Die Mannschaft is not the only German national institution that is failing to meet expectations.
"This national team plays the same way the federal government governs: with great ambitions, but with a lack of determination. Everyone fights for themselves, no one takes responsibility and, when luck finally smiles, the goal is not recognized," wrote German MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann on the X platform, referring to the controversially disallowed goal during extra time that would have secured Germany's victory.
"There is always a connection between sport and politics," said political science professor Alexander Straßner, adding that Europe's largest economy is no exception.
Like the men's national soccer team, Germany's automotive sector and industrial base have lost much of their luster over the past decade.
When Germany beat Brazil 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals before winning the most prestigious trophy in world football for the fourth time, Volkswagen was close to becoming the world's largest carmaker. Last week, the same company announced tens of thousands of job cuts, while key automotive supplier Bosch is also planning major staff cuts.
Unemployment in Germany has risen to its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, while economic growth continues to remain weak.
A country that was once synonymous with performance, reliability, efficiency, and engineering excellence is now increasingly identified with chronically delayed trains, giant infrastructure projects that drag on for years and are accompanied by rising costs, and the difficulties facing the automotive industry.
Germany's international standing has also taken a hit. After Chancellor Friedrich Merz told high school students that the United States was being "humiliated" by the Iranian regime, US President Donald Trump reacted on the Truth Social network by attacking the German leader and threatening what Berlin would consider an undesirable scenario: the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany.
If we add to this the government's very low approval ratings and the rise in the polls of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, many Germans do not believe that Merz is able to change the situation.
The chancellor's coalition government has struggled to implement major economic reforms. So far, only the planned pension reform has generated a dose of optimism among political analysts.
Meanwhile, Merz seems to be failing to understand the mood of public opinion, whether in politics or football.
"Even though this loss hurts, what a game, @DFB_Team! Your determination and team spirit throughout this World Cup inspired our country. We are proud of you," the chancellor wrote on the X platform shortly after the match ended on Monday evening. The post was met with mockery and criticism from German fans.
Later, German media reported that the message had been published in error by a young member of the chancellor's staff, who had inadvertently chosen the wrong variant of a pre-prepared message.
However, the end of Die Mannschaft's World Cup run should not necessarily be seen as an inevitable sign of Germany's decline. According to Professor Alexander Straßner, the country still has reason to hope.
"In a political culture characterized by pessimism, it is constantly said that the collapse of the West is imminent and that the national team is the final omen of this collapse. First the national team collapses, then society itself. This is complete absurdity," he said. / Adapted from "Pamphlet" by "Politico"
Ne se flitet per politiken ekonomike e financiare e korrupsionin ndoshta i afroheni. A e shihni qe 80% e ekipeve te Europes Perendimore jane Afrikane. Si tha traineri gjigand Mourinio? Nuk shoh me ndeshje me sume se 10 min. e shkoj fle gjume. Ne cdo aspekt te jetes dominon truri e jo kembet.