In an extraordinary display of national pride, tens of thousands of Georgians thronged the streets of Tbilisi on Tuesday, waving their national flags in jubilant celebration of their football team’s remarkable journey in Euro 2024. This event marked a significant moment for the country, as it celebrated its debut appearance in the prestigious tournament.

The Georgian national football team, under the spotlight of international competition, delivered an impressive performance that captivated the hearts of their compatriots. Their journey through the Euro 2024 was a testament to their skill and determination. The team navigated the group stages with admirable tenacity, eventually advancing to the Round of 16—a milestone that underscored their significant progress on the European stage.

The streets of Tbilisi transformed into a vibrant mosaic of color and sound as supporters poured out to honor their team. The air was filled with a palpable sense of unity and celebration as Georgians from all walks of life gathered to pay tribute to their footballers. This enthusiastic reception highlighted the profound impact that the team’s performance had on the nation, sparking a wave of nationalistic fervor that swept through the city.

Despite their valiant efforts and the high hopes pinned on them, the Georgian squad faced a formidable opponent in the form of Spain. The match, which took place in the knockout stages, was a hard-fought contest that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams. Ultimately, the Spanish side emerged victorious, ending Georgia’s historic run in the tournament. The defeat, however, did little to dampen the spirits of the Georgian fans, who remained resolute in their support and admiration for their team’s achievements.

The turnout in Tbilisi was a testament to the significance of this event for Georgia. The celebratory atmosphere, marked by cheers, chants, and the waving of flags, was a vivid representation of the national pride that the Euro 2024 experience had ignited. It was not merely a celebration of the team’s performance but also a reflection of a nation’s unity and collective joy in their historical achievement.

The celebration also served as a moment of reflection for the team and its supporters. The journey through the Euro 2024 was not just a sporting triumph but also a source of inspiration and hope for the future. For many Georgians, the team’s participation in the tournament was a symbol of progress and potential, and the public’s enthusiastic reception was a fitting acknowledgment of their efforts.

In the wake of their departure from the tournament, the Georgian squad returned to a hero’s welcome, with the streets of Tbilisi echoing with the sounds of celebration. The outpouring of support and admiration from the public was a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sport and the deep connection between a nation and its football team.

As the team disembarked from their bus and approached the jubilant crowds, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and gratitude. The players, who had given their all on the field, were met with cheers and applause from a crowd that had followed their journey with unwavering support. This moment of triumph and celebration was a testament to the spirit of Georgian football and the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in the country.

The Euro 2024 experience has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Georgia. The national team’s historic achievement and the overwhelming support from their fans have set a new benchmark for future endeavors. As the celebrations continued into the evening, the sense of pride and accomplishment was evident in every corner of Tbilisi, symbolizing the profound impact of this momentous event on the nation’s sporting landscape.

BERLIN (AP) — The grand and somber Olympiastadion, a stadium shadowed by its past, will be the stage for the European Championship final between Spain and England this Sunday.

Constructed for the 1936 Olympic Games, Berlin’s iconic stadium carries the vestiges of World War II, a time-stamped relic that echoes its Nazi legacy.

Yet, the Olympiastadion stands as a symbol of rebirth, mirroring Germany’s journey from despotism to democracy post-World War II. It welcomed global audiences during the 1974 World Cup in the former West Germany and once again in 2006, 16 years post-reunification.

Hitler’s Architectural Vision

Adolf Hitler personally supervised the design and construction of this colossal 100,000-seat stadium, a project undertaken after the Nazi regime seized power in 1933, two years after securing the 1936 Games for Germany.

Initially indifferent to the Games, Hitler recognized their potential for propaganda, transforming his stance into fervent support. Plans to refurbish the existing national stadium were abandoned in favor of a grander vision—a new sports complex known as the Reich Sports Field. Werner March, the architect behind the Olympiastadion, drew inspiration from Rome’s Colosseum, aiming to evoke awe. The tapered Olympic Square, flanked by flagpoles and trees, was designed to amplify the dramatic approach, heightening the anticipation of visitors and making them feel integral to the spectacle.

At the height of construction, up to 2,600 workers labored to complete the Reich Sports Field in time for the Games, which commenced on August 1, 1936. The Nazi regime’s discriminatory policies were evident in the workforce composition, with mandates to employ only “compliant, non-union workers of German citizenship and Aryan descent.”

The stadium was adorned with a plethora of Nazi flags, and a prominent swastika crowned one of the towers holding the Olympic rings above the entrance. This symbol was removed in 1945 as the war concluded.

During the Games, the Nazi paramilitary SA, or Brownshirts, were ordered to halt their attacks on Jews, temporarily suspending their violence for the duration of the event. Despite the regime’s push to exclude Jewish athletes, two athletes deemed “half-Jewish” by the Nazis—fencer Helene Mayer and hockey player Rudi Ball—were permitted to compete for Germany. This was a calculated move to placate international critics, as noted by Ryan Balmer, a historian and Berlin resident.

Post-Olympics, the Reich Sports Field remained a venue for Nazi gatherings, including a 1937 visit by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, where he was greeted by thousands of torch-bearing Nazis in the May Field, reportedly attended by up to 800,000 people.

Olympiastadion’s Wartime Survival and Postwar Era

Although the Olympiastadion and the Reich Sports Field sustained damage during the war, the stadium itself escaped the extensive destruction suffered by central Berlin. Surviving structures were repurposed, with Nazi symbols expunged.

Post-war, the Olympiastadion fell under British control as Berlin was divided among the four Allied powers—the Soviet Union, the U.S., France, and Britain. The British reopened the stadium in 1946 and maintained a military presence at the former Reich Sports Field until 1994.

The stadium underwent minimal changes after the war, achieving protected status in 1966. The most significant renovations occurred prior to the 2006 World Cup, when the stadium was outfitted with a new roof.

Present-Day Olympiastadion

Modern Germany confronts its Nazi past with transparency, ensuring that the horrors of that era are not forgotten. Information placards in English and German are strategically placed throughout the stadium to educate visitors about its historical significance.

While swastikas have been removed, some vestiges of the Nazi era remain, including an eagle on a pillar near Hertha Berlin’s training ground. The old bell from the Bell Tower still bears a Nazi eagle and Olympic rings, albeit with the swastika partially obscured.

As a gesture of post-war reconciliation, a conference room within the stadium and a road along the sports field’s southern perimeter have been named in honor of Jesse Owens, the African-American athlete who famously triumphed at the 1936 Olympics.

The stadium’s history elicits mixed emotions from visitors. Many fans attending matches, including the upcoming European Championship final, are more focused on the competition and may overlook the historical context provided.

Ryan Balmer, the historian, suggests that the stadium could benefit from more prominent reminders of its origins and the ideology it once symbolized. Similarly, Marian Wajselfisz, a Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Jewish soccer club Makkabi Berlin, lamented the lack of awareness among spectators regarding the atrocities committed against Jews during the Nazi regime.

En una reciente entrevista con la UEFA, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, destacado jugador de la selección turca, habló sobre la preparación y expectativas del equipo para la Eurocopa, su experiencia personal y la influencia del entrenador Vincenzo Montella.

Preparación y expectativas para la Eurocopa

Çalhanoğlu destacó la importancia que tanto el cuerpo técnico como los jugadores han dado a este torneo. Desde la convocatoria temprana, el seleccionador ha dejado claro que este evento es crucial para el equipo. “Nuestro seleccionador nos convocó pronto porque sabe lo importante que es este torneo para nosotros. Nosotros también le damos mucha importancia,” afirmó el jugador. La preparación del equipo ha sido meticulosa, con entrenamientos intensos y un enfoque en mejorar tácticamente. Según Çalhanoğlu, la concentración ha sido excelente desde el primer día, y los resultados de los partidos han sido favorables, posicionándolos donde desean estar en la competición.

Primer gol en una Eurocopa

Hakan Çalhanoğlu también compartió sus impresiones sobre su primer gol en una Eurocopa, un momento significativo en su carrera. Describió cómo, en esa jugada, estaba preparado para recibir el balón y aprovechar cualquier oportunidad. “En realidad, en esa posición, quería que el balón viniera a mí. Sé que soy peligroso tanto dentro como fuera del área,” comentó. La secuencia del gol involucró varios intentos anteriores, con Kenan Yldz y İsmail Yüksek buscando marcar. Cuando İsmail encontró el espacio para pasarle el balón, Çalhanoğlu no dudó en disparar, resultando en un gol que fue un alivio para el equipo.

El desafío contra Países Bajos

El partido contra Países Bajos es un reto importante para Turquía. Çalhanoğlu reconoce la naturaleza impredecible del torneo, donde varios equipos favoritos han sido eliminados. La victoria en los octavos de final contra Austria, un equipo que consideró como uno de los más fuertes, fue un logro significativo. “Esperamos que nuestros seguidores estén presentes en Berlín para el partido contra Países Bajos. Tenemos más esperanzas y nos sentimos felices,” expresó. La presencia de los aficionados turcos es un gran incentivo para el equipo, y Çalhanoğlu espera que puedan brindar otra alegría a su país con una nueva victoria.

Posible récord en la Eurocopa

Con la posibilidad de convertirse en el jugador turco con más partidos en la historia de la Eurocopa, Çalhanoğlu se mostró humilde y agradecido. Rütü Reçber, una leyenda del fútbol turco, es el actual poseedor del récord. “Estoy feliz y orgulloso. También me siento honrado de ser el capitán de este equipo,” dijo. Para Çalhanoğlu, representar a su país es un gran honor y, aunque el récord no es su objetivo principal, se siente contento de poder alcanzarlo. “Al fin y al cabo, quiero representar a mi país de la mejor manera posible. Incluso cuando juego en Europa, mi corazón siempre está aquí,” añadió.

Vincenzo Montella y su impacto en el equipo

Çalhanoğlu tiene una relación cercana con el entrenador Vincenzo Montella, habiendo trabajado juntos anteriormente en el AC Milan. Describió a Montella como un entrenador abierto y dispuesto a compartir conocimientos. “Es un entrenador al que le gusta compartir. Me alegré mucho cuando se convirtió en seleccionador nacional,” comentó. Çalhanoğlu destacó la importancia de Montella en la mejora táctica del equipo, algo que se refleja en sus actuaciones en el campo. Además, el jugador habló sobre la conexión de Montella con los jugadores y los aficionados, destacando su humildad y calidez. “Nuestros jugadores también le han abrazado. Le quieren mucho,” dijo, resaltando la influencia positiva del entrenador.

Afición turca y su apoyo incondicional

Recordando la histórica campaña de Turquía en la Eurocopa de 2008, donde llegaron a las semifinales, Çalhanoğlu expresó su profundo agradecimiento hacia los aficionados turcos. “Yo también salí a la calle cuando vi los partidos en 2008. Hicimos convoyes con banderas turcas. Así que conozco ese sentimiento,” recordó. Ahora, como capitán de la selección nacional, siente un orgullo especial al representar a su país. Agradeció el apoyo constante de los seguidores y expresó su confianza en que continuarán apoyando al equipo en Berlín. “A veces, sueñas con cosas así. Y cuando esos sueños se hacen realidad, no puedes evitar la incredulidad,” concluyó.