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Post by fretslider on Jun 27, 2010 6:45:27 GMT -5
As England and Germany fans began to gather yesterday in sleepy Bloemfontein, there was shared recognition that in their passion for drinking, singing and football there was as much to unite as divide them.
For the first time, English and German fans are likely to be seated side by side in a stadium with no segregation for an eagerly awaited clash that will bring both countries to a standstill. While there is unlikely to be a moratorium on the singing of the themes from Dambusters or the Great Escape, fans said that the rivalry was warmer than it ever had been.
"It's more of a footballing rivalry. People will still sing the songs, but a lot of the baggage has been left aside and it is a lot more friendly," said Steve Rippengill from London. "At the last World Cup in Germany, a lot of the England fans really embraced the people. The atmosphere was terrific, everyone was singing and dancing together. We've got pretty similar cultures."
Paul Weston from Bedford said: "I love Germany, I go there two or three times a year. I love their culture, I love the beer drinking. I think the thing with us and the Germans is that we are so alike.
www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/27/england-germany-world-cup-bloemfontein
For the first time, English and German fans are likely to be seated side by side in a stadium with no segregation for an eagerly awaited clash that will bring both countries to a standstill. While there is unlikely to be a moratorium on the singing of the themes from Dambusters or the Great Escape, fans said that the rivalry was warmer than it ever had been.
"It's more of a footballing rivalry. People will still sing the songs, but a lot of the baggage has been left aside and it is a lot more friendly," said Steve Rippengill from London. "At the last World Cup in Germany, a lot of the England fans really embraced the people. The atmosphere was terrific, everyone was singing and dancing together. We've got pretty similar cultures."
Paul Weston from Bedford said: "I love Germany, I go there two or three times a year. I love their culture, I love the beer drinking. I think the thing with us and the Germans is that we are so alike.
www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/27/england-germany-world-cup-bloemfontein
