The German Mentality
German Author Uli Hesse explained the 1954 finals’ significance in defining their mental and physical methods. One factor was the management’s altruistic system of picking the best team, as opposed to the best players.
A never-say-die attitude lead to the Dutch inventing the saying “You haven’t beaten the Germans when you’re on the bus home”. Despite being 2-0 down, Deutschland beat the best team in the world at the time, Hungary, and raising the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Noted by opponents and supporters alike, was their strong resolve. Not to mention a revitalised self-confidence. Along with calmness personified. This absolutely solidified team spirit.
Fundamentally, the difference between German and English performances is generally fear of failure. If Germany do not win at a finals they strategise again and conceal memory of the loss. Despite having quality squads, England regularly underperform in tournaments.
English players seem scared of the press attacking them, and it always happens. There is a sense of questioning oneself. Whereas Germans put it down to error and return to the drawing board. Ignoring negative journalism. They constantly over-perform even when not favourites.
While the aspect of sportsmanship is forthright, there is deterrent to failure. Former Die Mannschaft (The Team) champion, Breitner, is one of only four men to score in two different World Cup finals.
He says he forgot scoring in a losing final. Simply because, “when you lose a final you forget it. Forget the game and the goal – it is worth nothing!” An example of the naturally extreme resolve, from a proven winner.