German Basket Cases

During the jubilation of the Games, German Chancellor Angela Murkel called Germany an "economic basket case." Not surprisingly, the Huns were offended, so the barbarian hordes swarmed.

A seemingly unencumbered wit, Thomas Fricke sniffed and scoldingly responded,

Germans happily packing stadiums and city centers to watch matches and celebrate the tournament are disproving predictions of economic doom from politicians and killjoy commentators.

... there's no reason to think, as many commentators are expecting, that the nation will revert to its self-doubt and fear of economic decline once the World Cup party is over on July 9.

For some it seems, Germany's fortunes are symbolized by scurrying feet chasing after a silly white ball once every 4 years.