【明報專訊】German soccer is known for its rigid playing style. However, there is also stimulating stuff to discover.

Some history

There were two separate teams before the unification of Germany, one for the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), and another for the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). East Germany managed to defeat West Germany 1-0 with a sensational goal in World cup 1974. The rivalry ground on for almost four decades until 1990, when they were unified.

Paul the Octopus

Originally born in England, Paul was an ordinary octopus who set foot on Germany after its birth. It was deemed psychic after several correct predictions about the 2010 World Cup outcomes, with a wrong "prophecy" that England would be the host country for the 2018 World Cup. Nevertheless, a monument was built for Paul in a sea life aquarium in Oberhausen, his German home. A "Paul Corner" which houses a cremation urn (骨灰甕) containing his ashes was also built.

◆The handsome footballer

It's often said that Chinese soccer fans admire German footballers because they are good-looking. No matter whether it is true or not, German defender (後衛) Mats Hummels (曉姆斯) is often ranked as one of the most attractive footballers by some foreign gossip magazines. Generally regarded as a chief contributor to Germany's success in the 2014 World Cup, he made himself indispensable to the national team and the football clubs by displaying mastery of soccer skills and tactics. He is also one of the players who is willing to donate 1% of their salaries to charity.

(Sources: FIFA, BBC, CNN)

■English highway﹕grind on

It means "continue for a long time".

e.g. The confrontation between the two countries has ground on for more than twenty years.

■Quiz

1. Paul the Octopus predicted that Russia would be the host country for the 2018 World Cup. True / False

2. Find a word in the article which means "statue".

____________

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

psychic (adj) 超自然的

prophecy (n) 預言

mastery (n) 純熟掌握

tactics (n) 策略

[Smarties' Power English 第219期]