4 July: Germany becomes football world champion for the first time

After years of ostracism, a sporting event gives many Germans a reason to be self-confident once again. Millions of Germans in West and East Germany are breathlessly glued to the radio broadcast as Germany, the clear outsider, defeats Hungary 3:2 in a dramatic final in Bern. This surprise victory and the start of the economic miracle inspire fear and concern in other countries about renewed German arrogance. Many consider the victory to be the true foundation act for the Federal Republic.