Realia niemieckiego futbolu w okresie nazistowskim w latach 1933–1945

The enormous popularity of sport in the twentieth century made it one of the most important instruments for shaping the attitudes desired by the authorities. The Third Reich under Adolf Hitler also used the sphere of sport to pursue its goals. The popularity of football made it an ideal tool for such activities. The Nazis used it to promote German superiority over other nations, gain popular support, and strengthen public approval of the regime. Gleichschaltung also affected the German Football Association (DFB), at every level of which a totalitarian principle of leadership was introduced, making the organization completely dependent on the decisions of Hitler’s appointees and leaving it entirely in the hands of Nazi dignitaries. All Jews were excluded from the association. Football was also an important tool for easing tensions between states and creating a positive image of the Third Reich in the international arena.