For a couple of weeks now, Hamburg has been thoroughly immersed in World Cup fever. One of twelve German cities staging games for the World Cup, Hamburg is experiencing something they may never see again.
"Well, the whole of Germany and Hamburg inclusive are gripped in the football fever. Even the bakeries have bread and buns in the shape of a soccer ball," noted Vasanta Iyer, a resident of Hamburg for over 20 years.
"We are surprised how many people from all over the world have made their way to Germany. Best of all, it's all peaceful and fair, so this feels like one big party with many guests from abroad," commented resident Gregor Schwinning.
Certainly, the slogan at this year's World Cup, "A Time to Make Friends," seems to be fitting.
The World Cup appears to have brought fans together from around the world, for the world's biggest tournament. Fans of all allegiances have been partying together and celebrating the spectacle that has become the World Cup.
In Hamburg, a scenic port city in the north of Germany, the largest celebration came most recently from the Italian fans. Following their win over the Czech Republic 2-0, the Italians took the top spot in group E. They were all over town waving flags with their faces painted green, white and red. Italy did have reason to celebrate as they qualified for the next round and avoided a match up with Brazil. Hamburg won't see another match at their 45,000 seat stadium until the quarterfinals on June 30.
The city also witnessed one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, the Ivory Coast. Their distinctive Puma-designed orange shirts have become something of a rare commodity in Germany.
Vasanta Iyer, who is not really a fan of the sport, took note of the Ivory Coast, "Believe it or not, I watched a whole game yesterday between the small Ivory Coast and the gigantic Argentina and was happy that they at least shot one goal."
The World Cup fever, it seems, can make a fan out of anybody.
Though initially providing a cold reception when an early June cold spell forced locals to dress in scarves and thick coats, the Hamburg weather and the fans have warmed up nicely.
Schwinning sums it up best, "The whole country enjoys this summer celebration with your Ghanaian cleaning man, your Croatian taxi driver, your Spanish travel agent, your Tunisian veggie shop owner, your British salesman and your French bar owner each adding their views on the matches. Big, big fun!" And so it will continue in Hamburg for yet another couple of weeks.
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