Any other game, his cheers would have favored the United States – the
country he enjoys living in, where he pays his taxes, where he makes his
living.
But early Friday morning, Chris Holzmeier's heart was with his homeland.
Born in Germany, Holzmeier grew up playing soccer in Munich. He moved to
America 35 years ago, joining a club team in Dallas until bum knees
ended his playing days.
He remains a loyal fan of German soccer, though. That's why he showed up
at Henk's European Deli & Black Forest Bakery near Northwest Hwy.,
decked out in an official German national jersey to watch his native
country play U.S. in a World Cup quarterfinal match.
While satisfied with Germany's 1-0 win, he felt the emotions tugging at
him.
"I hate that Germany had to play against the U.S.," Holzmeier said. "I
wish they had been playing in different groups. It's a conflict for me.
I live here and I like it here. But it's deep in your heart, where you
grew up, where you were born."
Roughly 40 fans turned out at Henk's, one of several restaurants/bars in
the area to host soccer-watching parties. About half of the crowd rooted
for Germany - although it was often difficult to tell, as German
stoicism was in full effect.
In fact, the only goal of the game, coming off a header by Germany's
Michael Ballack in the 39th minute, drew very little applause from
Holzmeier and his fellow countrymen, as if it took them by surprise.
From that point on, they nervously watched the remainder of the game,
fearing the U.S. equalizer that never came.
"One thing about the German fans - they're very focused when they're
watching the games," said Henk's Adrian Winnubst, whose family has owned
the restaurant since 1991. "If you stand up in front of them, they want
you to sit down. Meanwhile, the fans from Brazil and Argentina go nuts
the entire game."
Added Winnubst with a laugh: "The biggest German fans probably aren't
even here. They're at home, watching on TV. They don't want anybody
around."
Henk's has played host to many soccer-watching parties, not only this
year but in previous World Cups and big European tournaments. Since the
Winnubst family is from Holland, games involving the Dutch often draw
big crowds.
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AP
German fans Hansjoerg Heppe (left) and Chris Holzmeier cheer on
their team Friday morning in Dallas.
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But, moans Winnubst, "They're not in it this year."
Germany, meanwhile, is very much in it, which is why Wolf Devallette,
his wife Carola and their son Marc arrived at Henk's at 5:45 a.m. in
order to get seats at the closest table to the main television. The
Devallettes moved here in 1950 from Cologne, Germany, and their passion
for soccer has never wavered.
"It brings me back to my childhood," Carola said. "I don't know how many
Sunday afternoons I spent at the soccer fields looking for my brother."
While Carola spent Friday morning silently cheering for Germany, she was
glad to see a close game.
"I would have been happy had the U.S. won, too," she said. "But my
initial preference is Germany."
Wolf Devallette is just hoping that the U.S.'s World Cup success will
produce more enthusiasm for soccer in his adopted country. Considering
the way the U.S. team played Friday, he doesn't think the loss to
Germany will damage what the Americans have already achieved overseas.
"Hopefully, this raises the awareness of soccer in this country," Wolf
said. "The important thing is it has to be brought up from the young
people."
Still, he knows the U.S. likely will never match the soccer passion of
Germany. When asked how fans in his native country were treating
Friday's game, a big grin crossed Wolf's face.
"Right now, it's about 3 in the afternoon," Wolf said, "and they're all
drinking beer."
