World Cup column by Moritz Rinke: "I could help you against Spain!"

As the German players emerged from the catacombs of Khalifa Stadium and the anthems sang, I pictured the One Love captain's armband Manuel Neuer had left in the dressing room.

The Germans had opted for the other bandage, that of the world association FIFA, yes, the bad bandage.

Let's imagine we are now in a fairy tale in which the good bandage can even speak:

One Love Bandage: Now they're all gone.

I'm alone.

I'm hurt, not in the knee, not in the shoulder like you, no... Why don't they fight for me, why?

For as long as I have existed, they have treated me like a stepchild by the Brothers Grimm, like an unwanted child, in the shadow of the others, the bright, colorful, beloved rainbow bandage.

I'm also colorful, I also want to be happy, free and exuberant.

I also have all colors and even have a heart!

And today, since the rainbow tie died, would have been my big day!

You promised!

Hansi Flick's assistant enters the dressing room.

The One Love armband stares at him expectantly, still hoping, but the assistant is just looking for his game analysis laptop.

Then he goes.

One Love armband (quietly:) You don't fight for me... You're afraid of this evil king with no hair!

This is so horrible... (she stops).

The game has started.

Germany takes the lead.

During the half-time break, the One Love bandage wants to say something to Neuer, but everyone is talking so loud that she can't get through with her delicate voice.

Then it's quiet again, she's alone.

Thomas Müller is substituted in the 67th minute.

He comes into the dressing room grumpily.

Müller: Now the pass station on the ten is missing!

If that doesn't pay off!

One Love Bandage: Avenge Me!

Müller: Hey, who's speaking?

One Love Bandage: I, the betrayed bandage!

I'm lying here in Neuer's pocket between his iPhone and an energy bar.

Müller: I don't believe it, you can talk?

One Love Bandage: Yes, Müller!

Please run quickly to Neuer and put my arms around his arm!

Müller: That's not possible, that would be a scandal, then FIFA would take away the three points that we just won against Japan despite a lack of efficiency!

One Love Bandage: If you don't, something terrible will happen.

The gods, Cupid or Venus, will punish you!

Believe me, you're better off with FIFA taking the points from you.

Müller:

Now listen, what are you talking about?

... In the end we found a good solution, we covered our mouths for the group photo.

At the end of the day, that means: we were told not to speak, but we still carry you in our hearts.

One Love Bandage: I don't believe you.

I expected something different from you, I always thought you had heart!

Müller: I have heart, don't be cheeky, we're playing the World Cup here, we've only dreamed of the World Cup since we've been playing, we want to win the title in this shitty desert!

You only think of yourself, you'll get something on your hat in a moment!

What's up?

One Love Pad: I don't have a hat, I'm a pad.

Wouldn't Joan of Arc have gone into battle if threatened with punishment?

Do you really love your game and your dreams?

Don't you see that today was the day to defend it all?

Mueller: We have!

One Love Bandage: You don't have that.

Love can only be strong if you dare something for it.

You only wear me where it doesn't bother anyone, where it actually serves your business.

Your home secretary with a copy of me in the gallery, nice, it will benefit her personally.

But I'm not for opinion polls, I'm not advertising, jewellery, a brand or label, I'm love.

You hear the stadium announcer announcing Japan's equalizer in the 75th minute.

Müller: Damn it, I can't believe it, it's 1:1!

One Love Pad: This is just the beginning... Get me to the court quick!

Miller: Shut up!

Substitute Takuma Asano made it 2-1 for Japan in the 83rd minute.

Müller grabs the One Love bandage and holds it in front of his eyes.

One Love Bandage: How Your Hands Are Trembling.

.

.

Mueller: Schlotterbeck!

What's Schlotterbeck doing!?!

Why does Süle, the idiot, cancel the offside, this shitty, uh, scrap defense!

One Love Bandage: Well...

Müller: And what, heavenly dominion, is Manu doing, otherwise he's always world class?!?!

One Love armband: The ball miraculously flew between the FIFA armband and the post into the goalie's corner.

.

.

How could he get through there?

Mueller: Takuma Asano!!!

Doesn't he play for Bochum?!

Is Bochum kicking us out of the World Cup???

One Love Bandage: Or Something Higher...

Müller: It's your fault!

You distracted us!

We weren't focused... This is my last World Cup...

Mueller is in tears.

The bandage seems to want to hug him somehow.

One Love armband: I'm sorry, I've always liked you.

Maybe you'll take me to the game against Spain.

I could help you.

The German players come back into the dressing room.

There is dead silence.

The author is one of the leading playwrights of his generation.

His new book “Our Complicated Life” will be published in January