Mental note to self:

It is probably not the wisest of ideas to tell the Ger-Man how well his country men cope with defeat and to suggest that it is perhaps a well-developed cultural feature. (I am nothing if not subtle.)

Yes, it was quite a subdued crowd making their way home from football watching events last night, and I was incredibly touched watching the after-game coverage on TV.

The German team were so dignified, resolved and stoic. None of that howling, bawling and grass thumping seen by some other teams. Honestly, Herr Ballack showed all the resolute, sombre, contained suffering of a Jane Austin-created character. The only detraction was the dubious facial hair sported by a few of his fellow team-members. (Well, that and the constant spitting. What is it with footballers and public spitting?)

The only consolation (as weak as it is) is that at least we weren't kept awake all night by ecstatic revelers...