3. Tor! The Story of German Football Ulrich Hesse-Lichtenberger
While the Premier League is one of the most entertaining sporting competitions in Europe, the history of English football is quite mundane compared to the tales from other nations. The more remarkable football history books often explain the social and political situations that faced a nation, as that relates how football has affected the country and how it has developed. Germany is a country that had a memorable 20th century, both for the better and the worse, and it makes their sporting tale all the more interesting. The first half of German football history is almost centered around one man: Sepp Herberger, the grandfather of German football. Herberger became the German national team coach after the Berlin 1936 Olympics and he set about building a cup-winning team. Unfortunately WWII started. Throughout the war the determined Herberger tried to maintain contact with his players and he was appointed German manager when the hostilities finished. The 1954 World Cup was the first competition Germany were allowed to enter following the end of the conflict and in the final they defeated the legendary Hungarian
Golden Team 3-2. It was named the
Miracle of Berne, as Herberger had given confidence back to a nation devastated by the war. Herberger sums up the story of German football. The English media may portray the England national team as the brave four lions, but it has been Germany who have consistently overcome the odds. Their story is inspirational.