The current European crisis brought and continues to bring to light the faults of the European Union: too much bureaucracy and not enough democracy and common sense. Silly regulations dictate that cucumbers have to be straight just as bananas. Surely, most Europeans would not mind if their cucumbers and bananas were more bent than they currently are or their apples varied in size significantly. Further, regulations to save Europe from austerity have caused just that in the southern part of the continent and certainly will do so in central Europe. Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and sooner or later France and Holland and finally Germany, they all either are already or will come under scrutiny with regards to their conformity with EU norms applying to productivity, efficiency and market conformity. Continue Reading
History
The first title for Paris?
Paris St. Germain might have won the French league with 2 games in hand and with a bitter aftertaste after monday’s events. However, they were not the first Parisian team to win the French league. This award goes to one of the forerunners of PSG: Racing Club Paris. This is one of the oldest clubs [...]
History
Bundesliga 50: New Millenium – New Dawn?
The Bundesliga celebrates its 50th. anniversary and by sheer coincidence its popularity has never been higher. The best birthday present however, is yet to come when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund contest the Champions League Final at Wembley. This is the logical consequence of a decade spent re-buildung and re-structuring.
History
Miracles take their time
Tuesday night’s quarterfinal match between Borussia Dortmund and Malaga was another match in a long row of ‘miracles’ in Dortmund’s history. A short review.
History
Bundesliga 50: the 1990s the lost decade?
The 1990s began on a high and ended in a deep deep trauma. Where did it all go wrong for German football in the 1990s? An influx of Eastern talent could have helped to make the national team ‘invincible for years to come.’ As it turns out, Italia 90 and Euro 96 were the last [...]
History
Lutz Eigendorf: Death of a Traitor?
It is now 30 years since the death of Lutz Eigendorf, one of East Germany’s brightest talents in the late 1970s. His death on March 7, 1983 has never been entirely cleared; to this date there are myths about the involvement of the Stasi, East Germany’s secret police in the car crash that led to [...]
Euro View
Is it all over now? Thoughts on 8 Goals
Posted on 25 April 2013
The European Cup has produced many memorable matches in its almost 60 years. This year’s semi-finals have the potential to be added to this history. There was a feeling of the end of an era about Bayern’s triumph against Barcelona on Tuesday. For the last 7 years, the Catalans have dominated European football, winning the tournament 3 times (2006, 2009 and 2011). Their arch-rivals, Real Madrid appeared to be the only team capable of challenging them. They have the potential. Albeit, it turned out to be different. Very different.
Euro View
150-80-50
Posted on 18 April 2013
It seems this year has a special ring to it as 3 of the 5 major soccer leagues in Europe celebrate a particular anniversary in 2013. Continue Reading
Match Reports
France – Spain World Cup Qualifier Match Report
Posted on 27 March 2013
France hosted Spain last night in a game that Spain needed to win in order to re-assure themselves that their most recent results are no sign of a dip in form. Duly, Spain delivered. Continue Reading
Media Analysis
Ostfussball vs. OstDerby
Posted on 15 February 2013
East German football has seen better times, that is a given. Not just has this blog reported about the state and fate of East German football but others have done so, too. Friday, February 15, a new magazine will be launched, Ostderby which has caused some debate even before is has started. Continue Reading
Match Reports
France – Germany Match Report
Posted on 07 February 2013
France were host to Germany last night in an international test match at Stade de France that saw both sides field a strong starting XI to commence this year. It was an entertaining game which saw the better team victorious. Germany were impressive throughout, France had spells of brightness but failed to sustain their momentum. Continue Reading