In the auditorium of the Goethe Institut, Johannesburg, a movie is being shown, but it is running late. Moments before 9pm, the screen goes black and film fans are told they are welcome to borrow the film to watch the ending at home. It’s time for the Soccer World Cup, and the big screen comes alive again just in time for the German national anthem. In their second match of the championship, the German team face Poland.
The Goethe Institut, a cultural foundation with branches around the world that promotes knowledge of the German language and fosters international cultural cooperation, has been rather busy organising events around the world championship, which is held in Goethe’s home country, after all. Last week, the Jo’burg centre presented Soccer Noize, where DJs played tunes to the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica in popular club Bassline. The German team’s other games — including this second one — are screened at the institute itself on Jan Smuts Avenue.
In the courtyard, a wooden stand with two holes in it provides Fifa-approved entertainment. Gentlemen in fancy suits cheer each other on as they try to kick a blue football through the holes. They run after the ball like young boys playing on the street before being called in for dinner.
At the Goethe Institut, dinner is prepared by an Austrian woman. On Wednesday night, she serves a proper German dish of potatoes and sausages. Some take their plates inside together with a beer.
There aren’t many spectators, but that doesn’t matter to Dennis Valcarcel. Sitting in one of the back rows, he shouts and comments on the game like no other. ”Ja, super, super! Jetzt Mann schiess doch mal [Now, man, just shoot]!”
Born in Sierra Leone, Valcarcel is married to German Maike, sitting at his side. ”But I have been supporting Germany for a long time, from when Franz Beckenbauer was playing even,” he says during the break when asked if his loyalty is because of his wife’s nationality. ”This game will be 2-0 for the Germans, they rule it.”
In the first half, Germany have ample chances but fail to score due to bad finishing and good goalkeeping on the Polish side. People clap their hands enthusiastically at every try. At exciting moments the oohs and aahs are all around the big hall, even though it is not even half full.
Nikolai Peterson, of the Goethe Institut, is convinced the auditorium will fill up when Germany advance in the tournament. ”It is a weekday and it is a late game,” he says, tugging his furry hat that is part football, part German flag. ”More people will come; everybody is welcome to watch the German matches here.”
When Oliver Neuville brings the Germans victory in the first minute of spare time, a sigh of relief spreads through the auditorium. Firmly at the top of Group A, it is now on to Berlin for the German team where they will play Ecuador on June 20. Dennis Valcarcel is positive that his team will win the cup in the end. ”The only team I am scared of is the Dutch team, but we will still beat them,” he says confidently.
At the exit, security guard Christopher Mthembu and his colleague sit waiting for news about the game. They don’t have a TV in their little quarters from where they operate the electric gate. Mthembu wants to know if the team are playing well. He supports Germany, but that is also because he works at the institute, he later admits, laughing. If South Africa were in the tournament he would support them. ”But also Germany,” he is quick to add. ”I support all good soccer.”