Congratulations to the Football World Champions 2014 – Fourth Star for Germany – Triumphant reception on the Berlin fan-mile

Congratulations to the German football world champions of 2014, who graced the fan-mile in Berlin upon returning to Germany on Tuesday. The Lufthansa airliner carrying the world-champions, and specially re-christened "Fanhansa Winner-flyer", greeted the fan-mile in Berlin with a special low altitude fly-by.

Thousands of fans were teaming Berlin’s Tegel airport to welcome the official carrier, which was also showered by the airport fire brigade upon arrival.

The ticker-tape procession through the city on an open truck took well over two hours, progressing at walking pace through the sea of fans, before finally arriving at the fan-mile.

Around half a million supporters had streamed on to the fan-mile by the time the world champions reached the Brandenburg Gate.

The manager, Joachim Loew, and his entire team staged an "thank-you" programme that elated the already jubilant crowd. Berlin was literally in a state of absolute celebration.

Athletes and runners congratulate the wonderful success of the German football team in Brazil and the victory in the Final at the Maracana stadium against Argentina.

The German sporting community is proud of it successful footballers – and is already somewhat envious about the number of youths who will no doubt be flocking to football clubs.

Compliments and congratulations to both the footballers and the fans.

Horst Milde

PS: The photos are taken from ARD TV-coverage and therefore not perfect – but they shows the atmosphere of a special day in Berlin.