Losers get winners’ like reception …

Tens of thousands of exuberant flag-waving Germans cheered home the national soccer side on Monday, showing few signs of disappointment afte...

Tens of thousands of exuberant flag-waving Germans cheered home the national soccer side on Monday, showing few signs of disappointment after Germany’s 2-0 loss to Brazil in Sunday’s World Cup Final.

Coach Rudi Voeller and his squad, sent to Japan and Korea as no-hopers a month ago, were welcomed back as heroes at Frankfurt Airport and in the city’s central Roemer Square. Around 10,000 fans packed the square, many of them waiting for up to five hours before the team’s arrival. They roared as the brown-suited squad appeared on the town hall balcony overlooking the delirious supporters.

“There’s only one Rudi Voeller,” they sang to the tune of Guantanamera.

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“King Kahn” read one poster in reference to the captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn who had been faultless until the final. One group had brought a life-size mock-up of Voeller with a mop head for hair. As the team’s plane had landed, an eager member of the flight crew waved a German flag — albeit upside-down — from one of the jumbo jet’s windows. Airport staff then swamped the team in search of autographs.

“Not too much was expected of us, but we proved we were up there. All in all we played a fine tournament. We knew that we could pull off a surprise. The euphoria here in Germany is crazy,” said midfielder Carsten Ramelow.

(Reuters)

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