Lukas Podolski of Germany applauds supporters ahead of his last international match for Germany prior to the international friendly match between Germany and England at Signal Iduna Park on March 22, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany.

“Out of this world, I’m absolutely knackered! You only win the World Cup as a team, and we worked together incredibly well."   - Mats Hummels

“It belongs to hard work. It belongs to dedication. It belongs to modesty. It belongs to commitment. It belongs to solidarity. It belongs to charisma. It belongs to team effort. It belongs to togetherness. It belongs to consistency. It belongs to experience. It belongs to appreciation. It belongs to respect. It belongs to joy. It belongs to the scars. It belongs to football. It belongs to “the most Brazilian of all national teams”. It belongs to the best. It belongs to Germany.”

“It would be unfair of us not saying thank you once you did it as well. Thank you so much for this past month in Brazil. From Santa Cruz Cabrália to Rio de Janeiro. Thank you for your professionalism, humility and for your modesty. Thank you for Podolski’s charisma, the most Brazilian German in the world. Thank you for the 7:1 because it was a lesson to our own arrogance. Arrogance you didn’t show back in 2002. You accepted your defeat and worked hard to be on top again. It wasn’t luck. At all. Our people did the best they could to welcome you in the best way possible and I believe we made it. We just didn’t expect you to be this terrific to us. The picture above is the one I believe to be the most symbolic of your stay here: Podolski hugging a local child, from the Civic School of Cabrália, who they’ll continue to be assisting until 2018. Another “golaço” they have scored around here. That child’s hug represents the hug that 200 million Brazilians would like to give every single one of you right now. Once again, it would be unfair of us letting you go without saying thank you. Obrigado! Or even better, Dankeschön!”

– Brazilian sports page thank the Germans. [x]

"We’re a bit(e) funny.."

Bastian + World Cup Final

The German coaching team, goalkeeper coach Andreas Köpke, head coach Joachim Löw, assistant coach Hansi Flick and team manager Oliver Bierhoff on the stage

Nobody can stop those who were born to win.