Kayla Hiebert (second from left) shows off her German colours with ONZ staff in Germany

A family from New Bothwell has spent the last couple of weeks in Germany, at a time when that country is gearing up for a FIFA World Cup title. Ken Hiebert, who says they're there for medical reasons, notes everywhere you go, everyone you talk to, it's all about soccer.

The Germans cruised through the Group Stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Victories against Algeria and France then set them up for a Semi-Final showdown against Brazil; a match in which they scored early and often en route to a 7-1 victory. Hiebert says that kicked off quite a celebration.

"Many of the towns they celebrated right through the entire night with huge car parades," says Hiebert. "Obviously a lot of people you could hear them blowing many different horns." He notes radio stations kept playing the song, "An Tagen wie diesen", translated "On Days Like This."

Hiebert explains what he's witnessing in Germany can't be compared to anything he's seen in Canada. Here in Manitoba, many people will show their support to the Winnipeg Jets by purchasing license plates or hanging tiny flags from their cars. And, on a larger stage, he says many Canadian flags were seen flapping in the wind when the the Olympic men's hockey team was playing for gold last winter. Yet, in Germany there are German flags everywhere.

"They put a flag right across the hood on the car, they have all the flag colours put on the mirrors, on the windows, even their head rest inside the car has these colours on them," says Hiebert. "Flags are hanging from many of the homes out of their windows. You definitely know that the spirit of soccer is huge out here."

And Hiebert says don't expect to get the same sort of service at a store on game day as you would any other day of the year. While trying to purchase medication at a pharmacy Tuesday, Hiebert noticed the staff suddenly becoming very anxious to lock up for the night.

"It was at that point when our daughter reminded us, 'Dad the game's going on tonight' and we said that makes sense," recalls Hiebert. He adds the staff were so eager to get home they actually asked the Hieberts to rather return the next day to pick up the medication.

Hiebert says his family has certainly gotten into the soccer spirit as well. Even though they didn't plan their trip around the FIFA World Cup, Hiebert says his daughter Kayla was more than thrilled when she discovered the two would coincide. After purchasing a Germany jersey this week she walked into the clinic where her Mother has been receiving help and showed off the colours. Hiebert says his daughter was not alone, as most of the staff too was wearing their jerseys.

Hiebert says they haven't missed a game while in Germany. Though they've chosen to watch together as a family in their rented house, he says there are plenty of opportunities to watch with the general public. Many towns have large screens set up where people can gather. And even on rainy days, Hiebert says that doesn't deter people from leaving their home to watch the game.

Germany will meet Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final Sunday.