Visit to German-American Society: Beckenbauer shirt on the wall and nostalgia for Lahm at Germany's World Cup exit

Where do you watch Germany in the United States if you're not in the stadium? In Trenton, New Jersey, the answer is clear for many German-Americans: the clubhouse of the German-American Society, home of the German American Kickers. On Monday afternoon, at 4:30 PM local time and oppressive heat, a good dozen supporters gathered for the World Cup match that resulted in a 1-1 defeat for Germany after extra time and a 3-4 defeat on penalties.

The host is Paul Bette (64), vice-chairman of the Society and of the German American Kickers. He proudly explains how the complex – including beer garden – was built entirely under his own management. The Kickers have been around since 1932, making them the second-oldest football club in New Jersey. Big names from Germany were guests: Bayern Munich in the sixties, later also 1860 Munich and Arminia Bielefeld. Partner club VfB Stuttgart organizes an annual youth football camp there, also this July. Volunteer work is the norm here: parents of youth players work three hours a year or buy their way out for 250 dollars.

Inside it feels like time travel. Liederkranz signs refer to the association's roots, while an original Beckenbauer shirt from his time at New York Cosmos adorns the wall. VfB attributes hang on the other side. At the bar they talk about football in a mix of German and English; Weizen from Lower Bavaria, Jägermeister are on the table and sausages with sauerkraut are served during half time. The audience is predominantly elderly. There is a simple reason why it is not busier: Monday afternoon, many members are still working.

Those present are a colorful group. Paul confesses his love for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Jason and his nine-year-old son Ryan wear VfB shirts. Stefan (75) sticks to Borussia Dortmund and says at the 0-1 deficit halfway through that "our 4-1 against Paraguay looks good" - where "us" stands for the United States, who won well against Germany's later opponent in their first match.

The duel drags on for a long time. There seems to be relief for a moment when Jonathan Tah heads in the apparent 2-1, but the goal does not go through. Ultimately the lottery follows from eleven meters. Tah shoots his penalty over, and when José Canale uses the decisive pin, the German elimination is a fact. There is a brief groan in the clubhouse – more question marks than pure bewilderment.

Paul covers his face with his hands. Stefan immediately sums it up: Germany brought too little and missed a playmaker; someone like Philipp Lahm, who used to keep things together. “Now they have no leader,” is his assessment. His prediction: the United States will reach the quarterfinals. The host will be back in action on Wednesday at 8 p.m. local time – and of course the TV will be on again at the German American Kickers in Trenton.

The bond with Germany remains visible in the background. Paul's family still speaks German at home. About half of the members have German roots; the rest are members because of football. A melting pot that also shows how deeply the sport has taken root here. Between Beckenbauer on the wall and Stuttgart scarves around the bar, one conclusion is shared: Germany must look for a new leader on the field.