When it comes to mentality, Germans are in a class of their own. The knife was held to his neck in the DEB combination for 6 games. She is now in the final of the World Cup.
After 3 group matches it was Germany on May 15 – it seemed like an eternity – with 0 points. After 6 matches and 12 days later, the great neighbor of Switzerland reached the final of the World Cup. It’s a hockey fantasy that was unimaginable for everyone. Not just for the 25 players and coaching staff.
It has been said for almost two weeks: losing is forbidden
After the third defeat on May 15, it was clear: if Germany still wants to reach the quarter-finals, it will have to win a lot from now on. The “knockout stage” for DEB’s selection began with the fourth group match. At the end of the preliminary round, Coach Harold Kress’ team had 12 points. The knife was always on the neck, but time after time the Germans managed to free themselves.
And with this ‘all or nothing’ attitude – they know nothing else now – Germany also reached the quarter-finals. On the other hand, the Nati who allowed themselves to finish in the preliminary round as early group winners.
In terms of play, the Swiss may be better than the Germans. But the difference in mentality between the two teams was much greater than when it came to shooting, passing or skating. Germany was far superior there.
legend:
No more holding on to the seat
After winning the overtime semi-final against the United States, the Germans let their emotions run wild.
IMAGO / Newspix24
I also sent to the semi-finals
Since Saturday night, the Germans have certainly won a World Cup medal – their first in 70 years. In the semi-final against the USA, the continuation of the German fairy tale did not look at all. Less than 4 minutes later, the score was 0: 2.
But no matter how great the resistance, this German choice finds a way back to the path of success. Anything else would not fit Germany’s history at the 2023 World Cup either. the secret of success? Bern’s Dominique Cahun knows this very well: “I don’t think any team in this tournament has the same tenacity as we do. We believe in ourselves. Until the end.”
Mastery overcoming adversity
The Germans were standing pretty much their entire semi-final match against the United States. However, in the end, the black and red golden can once again celebrate – for the sixth time in a row in an all-or-nothing game. And look again closely at Frederick Tiffels’ extra-time winner: if that’s not sheer determination, then what is?
The fairy tale of the World Cup in Germany is a boon to any neutral sports fan. But for us Swiss, it tastes meaningless, because it shows how much it could have been possible for the national team at this World Cup, with this World Cup squad.
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