Friday June 11th 2021
Euphoria only in Wattenscheid?
A soccer championship that doesn’t feel good
Perhaps not everyone has noticed: In the evening, the European football championship will kick off in Rome. Yes indeed. But how does it actually come that you really have to remember that it starts. There used to be joy, euphoria. And now?
In Wattenscheid-Höntrop it is there, at least a little, the anticipation of the European Championship. Small Germany flags are stuck in the flower boxes on two balconies. Usually they are not there. A few meters, still in the same street, a Germany garland hangs on the balcony. Usually it doesn’t hang there. But these are special times. Because on this Friday evening it will be kicked off. The European Football Championship 2020. Or 2021. Whatever you want. Somehow both are correct. And somehow neither matter.
Yes, actually, somehow this major tournament (so far) has been accompanied by a noticeable indifference. Why is that? Sure, sure about the pandemic with all its effects and restrictions. The national teams are isolated, intangible. For nobody. Fan parties only allowed on a small scale. But can they really be carefree? In the beer garden, in the living room, in your own garden? And then there is the mode. 24 teams, eleven venues – that’s not all in terms of infection protection and sustainability.
Many people will no longer be able to hear that. You won’t want to hear it anymore. You want to enjoy life again. As before. With football. With fn
.