This is especially visible in Bad Godesberg, where “Bago” on Moltkeplatz attracted around 250 fans in front of a large screen in a container. The crowd never really got euphoric and towards the end of the game, they resorted to gallows humor. At the neighboring “Godesburger”, there were huge German flags stretched out so that none of the guests could look over to the game. It was because the restaurant did not want to contribute to the cost of the screen. “We are not a lounge, people want to eat here and talk with each other. And not watch football,” said CEO Wolfgang Pütz. “After (the game), it will be very busy here,” said chef Bruno Straub, who in quiet moments creates a burger looking like his native Switzerland.

During the game, Dana Schermack comes over with her little fan Fabian (4) wearing a German jersey and a cool football cap. “The hunger was bigger. We stay and just listen,” says the young woman. Occasionally they hear a murmur move through the crowd next door. There are no tears flowing, but loads of beer. “Bogo” partner Seyed Amini is pleased about the many customers, some of whom sit on deck chairs behind the terrace. Be he admits that the high price paid for the giant LED screen hasn’t paid off yet. Meanwhile, the Germans try one futile shot after another. A man makes a comparison: "It’s like the political situation in Berlin. They talk and talk. "

In Bonn most shops are open for their regular hours, only a handbag shop announces an early closing at 3:45pm. The game can be considered a “small final” because it means everything for the Germans - they stay in the competition or get eliminated. For shoppers, it’s a good day if they are looking for some relaxed service and perfectly packaged gifts. Even in the Sparkasse bank at Friedensplatz, six ATMs are free at the same time.

In front of the modern large screens at Media Markt, there is not lots of crowding, but instead at the Sterntorbrücke. Between cult pizzeria “Cala D’or” and “Cafe Spitz”, there are 13 televisions hanging in windows or on stands, on the street and on the facade of “Bönnsch.” The tables are full and everyone stares in the same direction, even if the sun interferes here and there. Again, a hopeful cry is heard from the crowd, but to no avail. As the tension increases, more onlookers join.

"Every four years I'm a fan", says the owner of "Sonja's" as she mixes with the regulars. If there are no goals, then at least potato salad, sausages and a few laughs. As commentator Béla Réthy pronounced on television: "This is not slow motion, these are real pictures."

As the final whistle gets closer, faces in front of the “Midi” on Münsterplatz get more tense. One last cry - then the ball goes into the wrong goal. Only the employees of the “English Shop” on Friedensplatz are looking forward to the round of the last sixteen. “Go England” can be seen on a red bus in the shop window.

(Orig. text: Richard Bongartz, Bettina Köhl / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)