Discipline
The German sportsman is not selfish. Whether a character like former captain and World Cup winner Philipp Lahm, or the arrogance of an Andreas Moller – they combine as one.
Apologies for this clinical, machine analogy: in the typical German factory every worker has their own area. Taking pride in their zone, while providing the best service. Whatever their particular expertise, whether insignificant or micro-engineering.
Everyone has their role and performs it to the best of their ability. Lending to the arguably affectionate or complimentary stereotype of master efficiency. Rarely will you see sportsmen here in trouble off the pitch for social media controversy or personal issues.
Being detached emotionally from events throughout 90 minutes of a match assists the objective. Afterwards they proverbially ‘let their hair down’. They are not dispassionate as a people. Just rigid in effort, lack of distraction, self-respect and determination.
Rummenigge is a fine source of enlightenment again in this instance:
"“We are not as tactically skilled as the Italians, we are not as technically skilled as the Brazilians. We have a bit of something for everyone. And Germany probably has the best resolve.” (Via: ‘7 Goals That Shocked The World’"
In a sense they have, less consciously, influenced other national sides with their somewhat glacial disposition. Consequently, sports psychologists and major scholars study Deutschland for the key to prolonged success.