Dhe German Historical Museum in Berlin is currently presenting a new exhibition. It shows key moments in German history from an unusual angle. What really happened at these historical “tipping points” is contrasted with how history could have continued differently.
What would have happened, for example, if the assassination attempt on Hitler had been successful in 1944 or if the GDR leadership had had its own citizens shot at in 1989. The title of the exhibition is: “Roads not Taken. Or: It could have turned out differently.”
It could also be the title of this World Cup. Yes, every World Cup. Not on a historical level, of course, but rather on a personal, emotional level that can spread to millions, but also to entire nations. When a tournament comes to a head like on the quarter-final weekend in Qatar, with the late dramas of the Brazilians, Dutch, English, the possible tipping point of careers, life dreams, national feelings is clearly visible to everyone, white on green. The penalty spot.
