Selfie with Löw

A small blue dot appears on the horizon. Directly north, at the other end of the Santo Andre beach the blue dot moves slowly towards me. As the late afternoon light reflects off the waves, the blue dot clears and I recognize a light blue t-shirt, light-blue shorts and black hair. It can't be…Can it?

But it is. The Germany manager is running in my direction, on his own and without security. His pace is comfortable, his rhythm natural. He wears a relaxed expression on his face. Shortly before the trip to Germany's second World Cup game, Joachim Löw is enjoying a moment's peace on the beach.

So am I. Away from the commotion surrounding Germany's media center and the air conditioned rooms, I breathe in the fresh sea air and clear my head. Just like the Germany manager, who, as he revealed in his most recent press conference, starts his day with a run along the beach at around six o'clock. Today he's quite a bit later than normal. The sun is about to go down and in around two hours time, Löw and his team will head to Fortaleza.

In no time at all, Löw is almost running past. As he nears, a smile and a friendly "hello" are exchanged. Before the moment disappears and he runs past completely, I manage to ask, "Mr. Löw, have you got time for a quick selfie?" He nods and stops his run. Löw smiles happily at the camera, as both of us catch our breath. A quick handshake, a "thank you" and then we parted ways. As I jogged off in the opposite direction, I couldn't help but smile. Much like life in Santro Andre, the meeting had been so relaxed it was as if it had never happened. Good thing I have proof.