Before the World Cup started there were doubts whether Germany could host a party worthy of the occasion. A year on, and the only question is when the celebrations are going to end.

After the return of the fan mile for the German Cup final in Berlin last month, the party was back in full swing in Hamburg as Germany beat Slovakia 2-1 to move five points clear at the top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group D.

A crowd of over 50,000 crammed in to see their team make it six wins form seven qualifiers — the only mis-step was a draw in Cyprus — since Joachim Loew stepped up to replace his boss old boss Juergen Klinsmann. While other big nations were just managing to keep their qualification hopes alive over the last week, Germany are now all but certain of their place in neighbouring Switzerland and Austria.

The last time I’d been to Hamburg to see Germany play was in October, 2005 when the team were booed by fans in a 1-0 win over China. In truth, the performance against Slovakia was no better than in that match, but what a difference in the reaction.

After an exchange of own-goals the teams were level after 20 minutes and Germany hardly created a clear chance before Thomas Hitzlsperger restored the lead two minutes before half-time. The fans roared themselves hoarse throughout the second half as Germany battled tired legs and an aggressive Slovakia side to seal the win. The ground erupted with noise at the final whistle, everyone waved flags and an hour after the game there were still hoards of fans outside waiting to see off the team bus.

And who’s to say the party is going to end any time soon? Germany is bidding to host the 2011 women’s World Cup. So maybe it wasn’t a case of “Goodbye Germany” after last year’s final in Berlin. Maybe it was just “Auf Wiedersehen”.

Kevin Fylan, Hamburg