EM and Public Viewing

Soccer season is upon us yet again. Last time Michael and I were in Germany for the summer (2010) it was WM (Weltmeisterschaft, World Cup), now it's EM (Europameisterschaft, Euro Cup). Tonight's game was the second Germany game, against the longtime rival the Netherlands, which was more high stakes for Oranje. They had to win to stay in the running, whereas Germany's victory means they're guaranteed a spot in the quarter finals, either June 21st or 22nd. So my parents will get to see at least one Germany game!

from BILD

I have posted before about Germany's soccer craziness, and what soccer means for a country that is otherwise not usually waving flags or saying they're proud to be German. The below picture is from Berlin tonight. The biggest party is by Brandenburg gate, but I would never go to something like that. What is more fun are all the smaller, more impromptu parties and gatherings. I do think it's cool that Germans are so into watching the games together. Rather than all sit in their apartments in front of the TV they go out to bars or cafes or biergardens to watch and cheer together.

on  the "fan mile" in Berlin

  

Does anyone else think the logo is hideous? (above) 

Below, a funny photo that was getting reposted on facebook among all the Germans