Watch Germany's bizarre World Cup dance routines
Mertesacker, Ozil and Schurrle strut their stuff in Berlin. It was probably a good idea on the plane...
Germany's World Cup win may have been well-deserved but it also reinforced the stereotype of the fearlessly ruthless and efficient Teutonic footballer, and it added weight to Gary Linker's (edited) maxim that "football is a simple game - you play for 120 minutes and then the Germans win".
The team's celebrations on returning to the Fatherland were also in keeping with old-school views of Germany, in particular preconceived ideas about the nation's sense of fun.
Thousands lined the route of an open top bus that ferried the squad from Berlin Tegel Airport to the Brandenburg Gates for a celebration of their triumph.
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Once there they took the strange decision to appear on stage in groups, performing what appeared to be hastily arranged dance routines, which probably sounded like a good idea over a few beers on the plane home.
Arsenal fans will particularly enjoy the stylings of Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and particularly Per Mertesacker as they strutted out to meet the public.
Chelsea fans will also be impressed with the efforts of Andre Schurrle, whose contingent performed something akin to the Madness walk as they were presented to the fans, although apparently it is known as the Gaucho Dance.
The team's serious side was represented by the likes of Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger who declined to dance and simply strode out onto the stage. But perhaps the grandest entrance of all was reserved for the trophy itself.
Captain Philipp Lahm took to the stage surrounded by team mates who at his signal all fell over before the lot of them jumped to their feet and began playing air guitar to Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.
Who says German's don't know how to enjoy themselves.
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