Germans process World Cup exit with beach walk in Zandvoort: ‘The shock is great’

Search for explanation

The few German tourists who venture outside despite the icy wind, try to find an explanation while walking on the deserted beaches. “We have several good players who also play in strong leagues,” says a thickly wrapped and bemused middle-aged German. “But the players have had little preparation time. As a result, the quality just didn’t come out.” An elderly gentleman who goes for a walk with his wife and two dogs has a completely different explanation. “We just don’t have good players”, is his short but clear analysis. “It’s that simple.”

A young man behind the counter of a fish stall cannot suppress some gloating. “The Germans who come here are often grumpy by themselves, but now they also had a reason to,” he says with a broad smile. “I don’t feel sorry for them. When they recently lost to Japan, I asked a German customer if they would make it through the group. “No problem,” he said. I hope he comes back again, then I ask it’s me again!”

Big shock in Germany

“The shock in Germany is great”, estimates a young man who has just stepped out of his BMW to get some fresh air. “Expectations were just very high. There are currently a lot of sad football fans in our country.” The older gentleman of the short analysis refuses to let the early elimination ruin his mood. “I had nothing to do with this World Cup anyway. Qatar is not a football country and the fact that it is held in the winter does not help either. I have two nice dogs and a nice wife, I believe it all.”