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Four times world champions, three times European champions. For 70 years, every appearance of the German national soccer team has been closely dissected and commented on by the public. If it goes well, it is cheered; if it doesn't, the criticism knows no bounds. Yet the team's charisma is of great importance. Its success plays a not insignificant role in how Germany is perceived by other nations. Just as their triumphs play a major role in boosting the Germans' self-confidence. The national team's matches are obviously about sporting success. But they are actually about much more: the symbolic value of the nation.
Shortly before the start of the European Championships in Germany, FUSSBALLWUNDER takes a very special look at the German national team. From the 1954 World Cup to the present day, shortly before the 2024 European Championships, the feature-length documentary highlights the successes and defeats in the light of German history. And it reveals in a surprising way how much the German national soul is reflected in its national soccer team - and vice versa.
It is not only the "Miracle of Bern" in 1954 that can be interpreted as the unofficial founding date of the Federal Republic of Germany, as a moment that united the country behind its heroes, gave it a new consciousness and paved the way for the economic miracle. Other moments in German soccer history are also closely linked to that of the country. Like winning the 1974 World Cup, which was hard-earned with the German virtues - never give up, run, fight. Like 1990, when Germany became world champions for the third time and experienced a moment of unity shortly before reunification - while the world looked excitedly at the new Germany. Like in 2006, when the "summer fairytale" transformed an entire country and surprised more than just itself. Or as in 2014, when the German team not only played beautifully, but also successfully again and enjoyed worldwide popularity - before it was unable to maintain its international level in the years that followed. And 2024? The national team should once again inspire and, in the best case scenario, reconcile a country that is more divided than ever before - and searching for itself in the face of the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Just like his team.
