Football, Politics, and National Identity Post-WWII

This chapter explores the intricate relationship between football and political propaganda in post-World War II Germany, focusing on the 1954 World Cup and its impact on national identity. It delves into the complexities surrounding Sepp Herberger's diaries, Hungary's historic team, and the dramatic narratives of that era, including themes of reconciliation and lingering nationalistic sentiments. Through a lens of historical context, the discussion highlights how football served as both a reflection and a shaping force of a nation's recovery and self-perception in the aftermath of war.