The Courier introduces Vancouverites who are devoted to the World Cup and following their team from afar in coffee shops of Commercial Drive, pubs in Strathcona and convenience stores on Robson Street. Check out our World Cup schedule, which is set to Vancouver time: schedule
On game days, the World Cup viewings at the Vancouver Alpen Club is a sea of black, red and yellow. German football fans carry flags, wear face paint and even match socks with national colours.
“Everyone knows the Alpen Club is a German home,” said Patrick Buehrmann, the assistant club manager. “It’s more fun than sitting separately in living rooms or in little pubs. It’s not the same atmosphere. We can sing with all the fans together.”
The club was founded in 1935 by a group of immigrants from the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria to uphold and foster the diversity of their culture, which is continued today during the World Cup by a passion for football and love for the German team.
The club hosts viewings for Germany games upstairs on a 17-foot screen with a high definition projector and surround sound. Four hundred fans cheer on the team over German beer, currywurst and schnitzel buns. The club serves coffee and tea to energize attendees during morning games.
The Deutsches Haus restaurant and another banquet hall downstairs welcome families with children.
When Germany scores, fans leap, blow vuvuzelas and cry, “Super Deutschland olé! Einer geht noch, einer geht noch rein!”
“It basically means there’s always room for one more goal,” explained Buehrmann.
Buehrmann is from Paderborn, Germany, whose home team got promoted to the second division of the Bundesliga this past season.
“I grew up with the sport,” said Buehrmann. “I used to play myself when I was little. It’s my life.”
Buehrmann shared how seriously Germans take football.
What do typical German fan drink?
PB: Beer. Usually a cool Krombacher beer.
What do they eat?
PB: Currywurst. A typical soccer stadium food.
What’s the atmosphere in Germany like during the World Cup?
PB: People get off from work, employers tell their workers to come a bit later and people go later to school. They change hours just for this. It shows soccer is a very big thing. Some games are starting now at midnight and for the first time they allow public viewings outside.
What makes you excited about the team this year?
PB: The coach this year created a team that is very young and very enthusiastic. I think maybe that’s a little secret to help win this year.
What’s the best World Cup moment so far?
PB: Portugal versus Germany. Best starting group of games I’ve ever seen in my life. Four to nothing. Not a chance for Portugal.
Favourite player?
PB: Mueller. I think he’s the best and strongest player.
If not Germany, who do you think will win?
PB: In the final there might be Brazil and Germany. But of course as a German, I hope my team will win.
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