IN 1871, AFTER CONQUERING THE SECOND FRENCH EMPIRE,
OTTO VON BISMARCK FOUNDED THE MIGHTY GERMAN EMPIRE.
Left, left,
left, left, left,
and halt!
GYMNASTICS
And one!
And two!
And one!
BRUNSWICK 1874
18-1-3, from Leipzig did Napoleon flee.
Excellent! Carry on.
18-7-1, France fell to the Kaiser's gun.
Excellent! Again!
NO ONE IN GERMANY HAD EVER HEARD OF SOCCER
Balls above heads!
To the left!
To the center! To the right! To the center!
Turn to your left!
MIL
WHERE
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
And upward swing!
One and two and three and...
WEBER
Did you hear me? You can get...
I was bent over the side of the boat all night.
Welcome to Brunswick.
- Thank you, headmaster. - How was your journey?
The North Sea was a bit choppy.
I almost feel the breath of fresh air you've brought from the island.
But don't imagine
we haven't moved on since you left the fatherland.
What do you think those men are doing out there?
- I have no idea, headmaster. - They're erecting telegraph poles.
In a few days I will dictate a letter?
Which Miss Salchow will wire to the Imperial School Board
and we will have an answer later that day!
The same day!
- Isn't it magnificent? - It's amazing.
However, telegraph poles are useless if no one understands us.
Germans expect everyone else to speak their language.
But that's where they're... wrong.
Do take a seat.
That is why I, Gustav Merfeld, have brought you here
to be one of the first English tutors at a German grammar school.
We will go down in posterity as pioneers, Koch!
- I appreciate your confidence in me. - Let's get started!
My secretary will take you to your students.
- I thought the class started tomorrow. - Poppycock! No time like the present!
Oh, and by the way, your class began...
17 and a half minutes ago.
Punctuality and discipline! Have you forgotten our German virtues?
Ne.
'HIE-WEBB impeccably
Apparently they
That's good to hear.
Good luck.
Good morning.
- Is he smiling? - Probably a war injury.
Does anyone know what that means?
He's our new teacher.
So, I'd like to know what you already know about England.
Go ahead.
- Mr.? - Mr. Hartung. Class prefect.
They descend from the primitive Celts and the Anglo-Saxons.
They behave in a barbaric fashion and pursue vain imperial ambitions.
Interesting. What do you mean by "barbaric"?
Go ahead.
The pasty Brits eat raw meat with peppermint sauce.
They keep the Negroes to themselves.
They're inbred.
They have a woman for a Kaiser.
Who fed you this nonsense?
Gentlemen, you're wary about learning your first living language.
It requires a certain nonchalance.
But I promise you: Shake off your coarse Germanic nature,
and you will enjoy the English language and culture...
- Good morning, Dr. Bosch. - Not for much longer. Sit down.
- Hello... - I'm sorry. This matter cannot wait.
Attacked
I demand to know who did it at once!
Mr.. Hartung?
It may be irrelevant, but I saw Jost Bornstedt with a saw this morning.
- Bornstedt, empty your satchel! - But I don't have a saw.
- He does though. - We saw it too.
- But Dr. Bosch, there's no proof. - We'll see soon enough.
Hurry up, Bornstedt!
- You're holding up the class! - Dr. Bosch...
But it's not mine.
Come to the front.
Roll call!
Dr. Bosch, I'd like to continue...
Don't move.
Boys like you...
Bornstedt...
have no place...
at this school.
Have no place...
at this school.
Consilium abeundi interrogabitur. Translate it, Bornstedt.
An application for my expulsion will be submitted.
Dismissed.
I didn't introduce myself. Dr. Bosch: history, Greek, Latin.
Koch. Konrad Koch. English.
Ow m you.
I assume you know where this came from.
I never want to see it again.
You'll soon learn that I place great value
on fair play and comradeship.
Helping each other out. You understand me, don't you?
Comradeship is a great virtue.
Well, then. After you.
Sit down!
So, here we are. The caretaker's old lodgings.
I'm afraid this is all the School Funding Board approved.
I think this will be just fine. It has rather a cozy feel to it.
Well... I'm glad you feel at home.
I nearly forgot: Mr. Merfeld would like you to accompany him...
It was an accident.
To a reception at 7 p.m.
- it's formal. - Okay.
Have a nice day.
- Thank you, Stollberg. - Sir.
I've finally nailed the scoundrel.
Rosenthal is bankrupt. He sold it all.
Congratulations, Father. I also nailed a scoundrel today.
- Did you now? - Jost Bornstedt.
Ah, that proletarian. Has he left the school yet?
- He will soon. - Don't claim victory too soon, Felix.
Otherwise, you'll not only be a loser. You'll also look a fool.
- Don't forget that. - Yes, Father.
If we let the workers send their children to secondary schools,
the socialists will rob us
of everything we've fought so hard to obtain.
- Did the English teacher arrive today? - Yes.
And? What's he like?
He says our knowledge of the British is nonsense.
Nonsense? Does he now?
Wham
Hello, Mother.
- How was school? - We're learning English.
Really? That's great!
When you become an engineer you can leave here and go to America.
- What's that? - Just a burn.
Did you fight with that Hartung boy?
WE! happened?
- They've submitted... - Yes.
- An application to expel me. - What's got into you?
- I can work in the factory. - Absolutely not.
I'll talk to the headmaster.
What are you doing, Bornstedt? Get to work!
I won't have you working here. Pull yourself together!
Bravo!
Magnificent! Just magnificent.
I used to do it myself.
I'll leave it at that!
Dear friends,
at this very spot 40 years ago, swine wallowed in their muck.
6.2113113811331517
we produce the highest-quality German goods.
We were the first to fill exercise balls with lead pellets.
We made it possible to adjust the height
of the vault and pommel horse.
That thing nearly robbed me of my manhood!
It is thus an irony of fate
that my only son resembles an overfed suckling on the high bar.
Nevertheless, from today,
he will play an active role in the business.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my new junior partner,
Leopold
He's a little shy.
You may continue your applause.
- Don't let Junior neglect his studies. - Don't you worry, Gustav.
Don't you worry, I'll make sure he's knocked into shape!
So, I would suggest we proceed to the buffet.
Wasn't your father on the front line at Sedan?
Richard Hartung, Chairman of the school's Funding Board.
- I believe you've met my son. - We had the pleasure this morning.
Konrad Koch. Pleased to meet you.
The birth of our empire.
I assume this battle was also your greatest moment.
I was lucky enough not to be conscripted.
Ah, yes. I forgot: You turned your back on the fatherland
and studied in Oxford, am I right?
You are.
I'm surprised you're so young, Koch.
I hope you're fully aware of your responsibility.
You're molding our boys into decent young men.
Their future is in your hands.
I will educate them
to take the future into their own hands.
I've heard about the kind of ideas that are de rigueur on the island.
But you're back in the German Empire now.
And here we all agree that children need discipline and a strong hand.
Obedience and discipline.
These virtues have got us where we are today.
In front of a painting of a battle.
Your son and the other boys have so much potential, so many new ideas.
Why force them to follow in our footsteps
because we're scared they'll outshine us?
My dear Koch, you may be a young idealist, but don't forget:
You're just an experiment.
Your position is still subject to the approval of the Funding Board.
You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you.
Take your father as a role model.
He died as a dedicated soldier for his fatherland.
Your father is a hero.
But above all, he's dead.
WHEEL
I'm glad you're getting along so well.
Mr. Hartung chairs our generous Funding Board
that made it possible to create your position.
I know. The hand that feeds me.
[time
Careful! Young man.
Careful there!
- Sorry, I think I forgot my key. - No need to take it out on the door.
You had a bad day too, I see.
Ever had the feeling that you're not wanted somewhere?
I know it only too well.
I've been married for 26 years.
I envy you.
My wife has joined a group that wants to give women voting rights.
Once they've got the vote, they'll want to wear trousers.
It's open now, see?
Once they're wearing trousers, they'll be after everything else...
Next thing, it'll be the army, Kaiser, General...
No, thank you for...
Good night, Koch.
They'll ruin... the government...
Gentlemen, put your tongue between your teeth...
Who wants to try?
I think my tongue's too short.
Gentlemen, it's essential to master the "th".
If not, you'll... pardon my French... look like ajerk in England.
Better than a jerk in front of the class.
Do you have something to share with us?
I can't see the point of this experiment.
When we attack England we'll need guns and munitions.
MW}.
Naturally, I accept that I deserve to be punished for my remark.
- I bet he'll get ten for that. - Twenty.
You deserve nothing, Mr. Hartung. Absolutely nothing.
Who are you trying to please? Your father?
He's not here.
Your "bloody German" obedience bores me.
Sit down.
Do the rest of you think that English is of no use to you?
He won't be back.
I'll see you in the gym in precisely three minutes.
I was closer with ten. Fork it over.
He didn't hit, so it doesn't count!
- Morning, Koch. - Morning.
Foot-ball?
Bit small, isn't it?
Mam?
Try it. Give it a really good kick!
Use the inside of your foot next time.
Mr. Hartung, how nice of you to join in.
I'll kick the ball... someplace else.
Let him show us how it's done.
- Who's next? - Don't.
If Bornstedt can do it, so can I.
REM
I promise that Jost won't misbehave again.
I hope not. It'd be a terrible shame.
He's a good student, but he can't afford to get another warning.
- I understand. - And as for the school fees...
I've gone to such great lengths to assist you.
[GREEK-kl]
It would be a shame if my "people's education" program
failed on its first attempt.
- Yes. - And now I must go.
CARETAKER
HERD.
I'm looking for the... Kaiser.
The Kaiser? He's not here.
I meant the caretaker, to get my air shaft...
from the hair comb. - Air shaft?
Of course. I'll take care of it.
Forget it, I have to go. Sorry to bother you.
[time
She's a terribly impulsive woman.
- You clearly didn't learn your vocabulary. - I can't do this.
Does the guy in the goal have to move this much?
Sum.
Are you hurt?
- We'd have won without that free kick! - Shut up.
- Leave me alone! - Your British buddy can't hear you.
Think you belong because you can kick a ball?
Don't kid yourself.
My father will get Koch thrown out and you with him!
Common scum!
Let's see if you're such a good shot without your shoes!
- So? - This is stupid! Do I have to do it?
You father wants you to learn this trade from the bottom up.
- "Bloody German" obedience! - What?
I need a break, Tuchovsky.
Kick it. And give it some oomph!
Get back to work at once!
Do you think we can make them smaller and lighter?
I wondered when you'd come.
Well, actually, all I wanted to say...
was that the way...
you look at me...
I was just checking the laundry.
Elm
Glow and expire not
For the fatherland!
Then we all stand
Valiant for one man
Gladly fighting and bleeding
For throne and empire!
Thank you, gentlemen. Sit.
In the imperial anthem, we promise the Kaiser
to support the German generals in their most important tasks
with blood and iron.
And we will also pursue this strategy when occupying England.
Mmmmm,
it took 461,650 soldiers to bring the country to its knees.
How many would we need to take the English by surprise
off the coast of Portsmaut?
You have an answer, Bornstedt? What a surprise. Go ahead.
"Portsmouth," not "Portsmaut."
4311153519 m
Put your tongue between your teeth.
Have you lost your mind?
Get "th" wrong and you'll look...
pardon my French... like ajerk.
How dare you!
[WEE]!
Your colleague Mr. Koch is behind these obscenities.
Koch'!?
- He'd know after three years there! - Four!
Who said you could talk to each other in class?
- Koch encourages us to rebel... - That's not true!
- You're just a bad loser! - Quiet!
My dear Gustav, this isn't about school regulations.
What we're dealing with here is the moral well-being of our sons.
Koch talks about "Germanic coarseness"!
And "You're boring me with your..." Hang on, I had it translated.
"Your bloody German obedience."
- That is an insult to the monarchy! - Grounds for dismissal.
Gentlemen, there's no evidence!
I insist that we go and observe his class.
Our children's well-being is our primary concern.
Koch was an excellent choice. I'm sure of that.
I'm sure he's not behind the boys' strange behavior.
Don't mind us, Koch.
The gentlemen would just like to observe your...
- Where have they gone? - My God!
What's going on?
It's the Battle of Trafalgar.
That's how the English outwitted the French.
He wants our boys to sympathize with the enemy.
But where's Nelson?
And where is Koch?
Perhaps he's taken his class to the library.
He's a cultivated young man.
I can't breathe.
I can't... breathe.
Well, Gustav.
I'd say you can shelve your "people's education" scheme.
Bornstedt already has a warning, ergo:
- He must be expelled. - I was in charge of that class.
- I excuse him and take responsibility. - Do you now?
Okay, now tell me why your students
were messing around in your class with that... ball from England.
- It's a soccer ball. - Soccer? There is no such word!
I demand it stop now!
Namby-pambying around with a ball has no place here.
Koch, we brought you here to teach the students the English language.
As pioneers.
I don't see how the ball... Surely you can teach without it.
Mama? mmm
It's a method endorsed by Thomas Arnold.
Used in several countries.
Which countries?
- Holland, for example. - Hofland?
The ancient Chinese are even thought to have played a form of soccer.
Gustav? The Chinese?
Mr. Hartung, as a man who is himself full of drive,
will power and comradeship...
Koch, you're digressing.
Soccer helps the boys develop precisely those characteristics.
It boosts their spirits. Learning is fun!
43159 $181M
- Their progress... - Was school fun for you?
Ne.
- No. That's whyl became a teacher. - Richard...
I think it's clear Mr. Koch had the students' best interests...
If you think we got our country where it is today
by having fun together, then I'm afraid you're wrong.
We march to a different tune here and if you refuse to accept this,
then you can pack your bags and swim back to your damned island!
You will remove that ball from your class and from this school at once.
Otherwise you will be removed. Is that clear?
They banned it, didn't they?
Sorry, gentlemen.
Our game was clearly too great a threat to the German empire.
What now?
Thank you, Father, for putting a stop to that British nonsense.
- It was about time. - Oh, yes.
That language is wretched enough!
I promise not to rest
until the proletarian is thrown out of the class.
$16119
HOW?
Dr. Bosch told me you'd lost your position in the class.
Ah, yes. I instructed Stollberg to remove this unsavory individual.
I'd appreciate it if you'd rein in your interest
for the lower classes in future.
I can do it.
- Where can I find the landlady? - Two houses on.
Hey, that was good. Want to kick the tin around a bit?
- What? - It's called soccer. From England.
- Jost! - Is that you?
I'm coming!
You haven't even lit the fire!
Where were you?
- Can I help you? - Good evening.
Could you tell me where I can find Mr. Koch?
That's me.
And who do I have the pleasure of meeting again?
- You're Mr. Koch? The teacher? - Yes, I am.
- Miss...? - Bornstedt. Jost's mother.
- Who was locked in the detention room! - Come in.
I'm terribly sorry.
Are you also terribly sorry he'll be thrown out?
Do you want to teach him in the factory?
No, I'd like to teach him here.
Your son is very capable.
- Capable of injuring a chaplain? - He's fine.
And I doubt he was planning to...
go forth and multiply.
Don't ruin my son's future!
I work my as...
I work extremely hard for him.
I will do everything within my power to help Jost.
Left turn.
And left, left,
left, right, left!
Left, left, left, right, left,
and halt!
Left, left,
left, right, left!
Left, and halt!
Left turn!
You see, Mr. Koch. It is possible after all.
May I have your attention a minute?
As you know,
Headmaster Merfeld has banned me from playing soccer in class.
After much reflection,
I have decided...
to respect the ban.
However, should you decide
to play soccer outside class on the field,
and should you inform me of the location and the time,
then I may just happen to pass by while I'm taking a stroll,
and may give you a tip or two.
It's up to you.
This'll only work under one condition: No one says a word. No one.
- Cripple's game! It'll never happen. - We'll see. Who's in?
Traitors.
“W, “mung.
- If you blab, you're finished. - Really?
- So, what's the decision? - The others are going to the park.
You're not?
- I'm not playing anymore. - What do you mean?
I saw your eyes light up!
You love playing. I can't believe you want to stop.
If the Funding Board get wind of it, I'm out.
No one will find out. Trust your classmates.
My mother will... She'll make mincemeat out of me.
You have a point there. I'm pretty sure she would.
The game has helped you find your place and earn respect.
Rich and poor boys playing side by side.
Your mother would be proud. It's almost a shame she doesn't know.
And if she ever threatens to make mincemeat of you, I'll have a word with her.
I promise.
Give her that.
Thanks.
Where are you going?
I've joined Dr. Bosch's study group.
How edifying.
51111361111
Ge forth, my heart, and seek delight
In all the gifts of...
035151391
Hi, there you are.
Let's go.
- Where to? - You'll see.
The lark soars singing into space,
The dove forsake: her hiding-place,
mums
The richly-gifted nightingale...
Put your caps over here.
- I'm in goal. - I'll be referee.
I've brought someone to keep watch.
Gentlemen, nice to bump into you all here.
I admire your spirit.
Slowly but surely, soccer is helping you shake off your Germanic shackles.
So, to recap the basic idea: Whatever happens, play fair.
Gentlemen, the playing field is here.
Look! Lord Hartung is gracing us with his presence.
Wm“.
IIEIIHIZL
- What are you doing? - Keeping watch.
- Don't you have to work? - No one will take me.
Thanks to your father and his lies.
Emu
What are you doing here?
You usually do your homework in the afternoon.
- It's my class and I'm class prefect. - Spread out!
- If only women could play! It's great! - It is, isn't it?
Then why aren't you playing, milord?
I organized it and it's hard to keep up with it all.
“Mung, you“ one m many.
No, eight vs. eight.
- Seven vs. eight. - Eight vs. eight.
- See you tomorrow. - See you tomorrow.
Hard at it?
AIR SHAFT IN A HAIR COMB YOURS IN ADMIRATION, KONRAD KOCH
Dear Ian, Your going-away present is being put to good use.
My students love playing soccer.
If your study trip takes you to Brunswick,
we'd love to take on your students
in a tournament.
- Tuchovsky! - Yes.
What's going on? Do you all need your eyes tested?
Your son insisted we make them that small.
And what are these?
He said something about "aerodynamics".
"Aerodynamics"?
- Medicine balls and aerodynamics? - It's a soccer ball.
[MIME
The object is to kick the ball with one's foot into a goal.
A "goal"? What the hell is going on here?
- I have no idea, Mr. Schricker. - That's my impression too.
I'd like to know why you've all been so lacking in energy recently.
Would anyone like to enlighten me?
- We were attacked by a flock of sheep. - Sflence!
Step forward, Zumbrink.
Tell me what happened right now.
- To the rings! This instant! - But...
- I sprained my arm. - Either you talk or go to the rings.
- I beat him up. That's the reason. - Really?
And you beat the others up, too? You get tired thinking of exercise!
Take hold of the rings.
And upward swing!
- I can't hold on anymore. - One, and two, and three.
That wasn't the exercise, Zumbrink.
Don't make such a fuss.
This is how it's done.
What the...
Have you lost your minds? Have you lost your minds?
Let me down at once!
Stop! Come back this instant!
I have a very special guest to present to you today.
Retired officer Eugen zu Hohenlohe.
Having left active service, he has undertaken the honorable duty
of promoting the tremendous value of a career in the military.
If you please.
Gentlemen,
at the end of this class, one thing will be clear:
There is nothing more glorious than war.
They could have sent a guy with two legs.
Think he'd play soccer with us?
- Sflence! - Against England.
Silence!
Dr. Jessen!
Don't move!
You won't move a muscle until this evening!
Your colleagues blame you for the behavior of your class.
I admire your progressive spirit and your strong will, Mr. Koch, but...
- A dead pioneer is no use to anyone. - Exactly.
I understand.
I'll talk to the class and review my teaching strategy.
MERE
A little authority?
Never did us any harm, did it?
Gentlemen, he promised me he'd take a much stricter approach.
And you believe that tea-drinker? We can't tolerate this any longer!
He's sparked a revolution.
Couldn't this have happened without Mr. Koch's influence?
Never! He's twisting the children's minds.
And they're still playing that game in secret.
Well, the school regulations give us no powers to take action
against misconduct outside school...
Enough! If you can't take charge, I'll take matters into my own hands.
The Funding Board will not support your educational experiments any more.
They do nothing but cause trouble.
- We need proof to get rid of Koch. - He'll slip up sooner or later.
- Keep your eyes peeled. - I will.
My son really enjoys your study group.
That's very flattering, but which study group do you mean?
Where were you?
With that Rosalie girl?
Don't waste your life! Or do you think she loves you?
I'll have that girl sent to East Prussia.
She won't distract you from there.
So, where is the floozy?
Where?
I haven't seen her since she left the house.
Where were you then?
Playing soccer in the park.
WHEEL
You feel better, don't you?
Clean it up now.
It doesn't look pretty.
- He's not smiling. - Where's Mr. Hartung?
- I know where part of him is. - A very small part.
Headmaster Merfeld informed me
of an incident in Dr. Bosch's history class.
"History" class?
I thought you had grasped the basic principle of soccer.
Fair play means treating opponents and each other with respect.
Does anyone think it was fair?
To treat a soldier who lost his leg in the war like that?
Anyone?
I expect you to apologize to Officer zu Hohenlohe and Dr. Bosch.
"No!
WEE
- There'll be no training until then. - What?
- You can't do that!
Who thinks we should apologize?
And who thinks we should play soccer on our own without Koch?
- But Koch is right in a way. - He's right?
Apologize to Bosch? You, of all people?
- Good.
Where are you going? You're not playing that game, are you?
You should watch us play, Mother.
You'd be so proud. I'm the best in the class.
Finally, the others respect me.
No one cares if you're rich or poor.
What good is soccer if they throw you out?
In real life people certainly do care if you're rich or poor.
You want to be an engineer, don't you?
No, I don't!
Or go to America. That's what you want!
I want to stay here and play soccer.
Hm!
- What was that? - Penalty!
It wasn't a foul!
- I was watching! - That's all you can do, fatso!
You stupid idiots!
Stop!
The Funding Board.
- Let's get out of here. - You traitor!
You snitch!
Gentlemen, put an end to this English disease!
No one gets away!
- If Hartung sees me I'm in for it! - I'll help you.
Let me go!
Look after it.
Stop!
I surrender.
Soccer to the death!
The proletarian!
That's the end of that then.
So these are the "goals".
It's amazing that these things evoke such strong emotions in the boys.
To me, they just look like two poles, rammed into the ground.
The proletarian had the ball. He is the ringleader.
We are witnessing the first throes of a socialist revolution.
This game will turn our young people into moral degenerates and barbarians.
And it's not allowed.
I banned them from playing, but clearly...
I don't know where they got the ball.
I knew right away you were a coward.
No sense of honor or responsibility.
Your fatherland
- when it needed you most. - Richard!
For the last time, I insist that you expel that Jost boy!
It's quite clear who's behind this cripple's game.
I resign.
Under the condition that Bornstedt stays at the school.
I accept responsibility for it all.
If we're honest, Mr. Hartung,
your main goal was to get rid of this tea drinker.
Don't be too hard on yourself.
What did my father... What's going to happen now?
They banned soccer in the entire Duchy of Brunswick.
- They can't. - Your father can.
Do you have to leave?
The game got out of hand.
I'm such a stupid snitch.
- I didn't want it to happen, but my... - I know.
No one hits as hard as one's own father.
My father taught me for eight years.
But you didn't betray anyone.
If I'd been you, I probably would have.
I wanted to do everything better than my father, and look what happened.
But don't put up with everything.
Dear Ian,
When you arrive in Brunswick, I won't be at the Martino-Katharineum.
It would have been a great match.
But unfortunately things here have taken a tum for the worse.
- Phew! You're still there. - Phew?
- Are you crazy? - You dare to come here!
They're going to ban soccer and throw Koch out.
When' s Chasm'! - I'm here.
- What's that? - The imperial school regulations.
Have a read of Article 34, Section 3.
- Is the school on fire? - No, but it's life and death!
GHQ
Sorry to bother you so late,
but we didn't know who else to turn to.
GEE.
- I'm looking for the Kaiser. - Mrs. Bornstedt.
- Please, come in. - Thanks.
Headmaster Merfeld told me what you did.
I'd like to thank you. How can I ever repay you?
It's my fault it got that far.
I overestimated myself and underestimated German stubbornness.
Will you go back to England?
You know, I envy your freedom.
- The world's your oyster. - Lt'd be nice to find my place.
Maybe we'll meet again.
SOCCER IS PROHIBITED
You have to sign there.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you how sad we are.
No, you don't.
I have a telegram for you from Berlin.
From the Imperial School Board. It's important.
WHEEL
This message certainly changes the situation.
Dear Richard,
it's a reply to the query I sent to Berlin yesterday by telegram.
- What kind of query? - Well...
mm... m.
Si}.
I submitted a...
I submitted an evaluation request.
An imperial delegation will assess whether soccer?
Should be integrated into the curriculum.
Soccer in the curriculum?
I'm sure you'll all agree
that we must respect the wishes of an imperial delegation.
I propose, therefore, that until the delegation arrives
the ban on this possible, future, new addition to the curriculum
be lifted.
Well, I couldn't possibly neglect my duty to the Kaiser.
Or would you like to...
And now if you'll excuse Mr. Koch and myself,
we must start preparing.
Miss Salchow.
You didn't happen to have any contact
with the Imperial School Board in Berlin, did you?
Tell me whose idea it was at once!
It was mine, headmaster.
Y“?
That's not completely true. I put him up to it.
I pushed them to make the decision.
Actually, it was everyone's idea.
Thanks.
Whoever had this idea...
is a genius!
I'm proud of you.
You've become a real team.
And now imagine this:
Every village in the German Empire has its own team.
- And they play against each other. - Every village?
Every Sunday in England there are soccer tournaments
and thousands go to watch them.
Maybe this could happen in Germany.
It's up to you to convince the delegation.
You have everything to gain.
Or everything to lose.
Sq?
If the delegation approves it, you can't stop us.
- But Koch needs enough players. - You want to lock them all in?
I have a better idea.
Rodenstock, Brunswick Gazette.
Don't mind us.
M photograph...
TEACHER INFECTS STUDENTS WITH ENGLISH DISEASE
TOMFOOLERY IN BRUNSWICK OUR CHILDREN ARE IN DANGER
Brunswick Gazette!
We must not allow our children
to continue being led astray by this game.
It is barbaric and unnatural.
I forbid you from playing soccer!
DEVIANT ENGLISH SPORT POSES THREAT TO GERMAN YOUTH
But if the delegation approves it,
every school in the empire will play soccer.
- And what will they need? - Artificial legs and wheelchairs.
You can't just throw me out! I have nowhere to go.
That has nothing to do with me! Maybe you can work the streets!
- What? It's locked! I can't open it! - You have to come and help Rosalie!
- Rosalie? What's happened? - Come at once!
Felix! What's going on?
Felix!
Don't tell me what to do!
- Are you hurt? - I'm okay.
Get a doctor!
Quick! Get out of here!
So, Koch. That's that then.
And Gustav,
while we're putting a stop to your pointless experiments:
First it was the chaplain.
And now my son.
That wicked boy must be stopped. Expel him at once!
Mr. Bornstedt, can I talk to you for a moment?
They've thrown me out, right?
Yes.
I'm really sorry.
Keep your chins up, chumps.
- I'm going too! - They'll throw you out, too!
I don't care!
- That damned Board! - The accident's their fault!
- I'll get them! - Exactly!
Sometimes you have to accept defeat.
Take care.
Don't lose your team spirit.
- Goodbye.
Battlefield
But von Clausewitz knew he'd had no other choice.
He turned to his adjutant and said...
- He's leaving! - Sit down!
Sit down at once!
He turned to his adjutant and said...
The imperial anthem. The delegation!
Join in then!
Warriors' and heroes' deeds
Find their laurel leaves
'mm?
UM" thy throne!
May our flag wave boldly...
- What's going on? - He's back!
Silence!
What was that?
- They don't have a chance! - Sit!
- Sit down at once! - The English have challenged us!
Leave this room and you're out!
MIME
Leave this room and you will leave this school!
Koch.
- What will happen to the boys now? - You're breaking the laws of Brunswick!
The delegation will decide whether your wish becomes law.
EMBED
I'm giving you all a day off.
In return, I expect you all to make your way to the city park.
- Who gets a day off? - Not you. You're selling soccer balls.
For every mark we lose, you do an hour's overtime.
- Agreed. - Agreed.
WWW WW mew
What are you waiting for?
Tuchovsky?
Where are these balls?
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you...
The English are here! In the city park!
May the Lord protect our troops on the battlefield. Amen.
We're playing the English.
Come on.
Felix, we need you!
- Where are you going? - To play soccer.
To your room. Now!
WERE!
- Come on, Heinrich! - Wait for us!
Faster!
Look, but don't touch, okay?
You have one mission today: Give the delegation soccer fever.
Play for the right to play.
Keep at him!
[51111551]
We must never allow this game!
It's anarchic!
- Ungymnastic. - Ungermanic.
Was that a goal?
WEE
- Scandafl - No, it was offside.
If the player's in front of the ball and his opponents
and behind him his teammates are in possession of the ball,
he may not touch the ball
or block his opponents.
Put it like this: The player must have the ball
or two opponents in front of him.
Exactly.
- Brilliant! 65121211
- That's Hartung's son! - In public!
Get a look at that!
For your little brother.
- Put the price up to five marks. - Five?
All right, Junior.
Don't touch them.
- I'd like a ball. - I'll take two.
Next gentleman, same lady!
Come on, boys!
Kick!
Watch out! Pass!
4114113. 4114113.
Jost put his future at stake for that?
Before you tear me to pieces: I'd like to say I'm sorry.
The less said, the better.
Sum.
[HE]
Two goals to one!
Magnificent!
A superb game!
I'll put the price up to seven then!
How is it you're always so unbelievably optimistic?
This time, I'm not sure. Isn't the game too barbaric for this country?
LESSONS OF A DREAM
IN 1875 KONRAD KOCH AND HIS STUDENTS FOUNDED A SOCCER CLUB.
YEARS mm FOLLOWED
SOCCER CAUGHT ON ACROSS THE ENTIRE GERMAN EMPIRE.
HOWEVER, THE GAME WAS STILL BANNED
AT SCHOOLS IN MANY REGIONS.
THE BAN IN BAVARIA REMAINED IN PLACE UNTIL AS LATE AS 1927.
Whether in the North, South, East or West.
No matter where you are,
A new spirit is pervading the world,
Listen closely, the time is ripe.