The Ecuador football team, on their way to the airport after being knocked out of the World Cup 10 days ago, stopped at sporting goods manufacturer Puma’s shop in Bavaria. “There were 25-30 of them and they just went crazy – real power-shopping like they were trying to buy out all the store,” says one observer.

If only everybody would spend like the Ecuadoreans. The World Cup has been a triumph on the pitch, for Germany’s image and for boosting confidence among businesses and consumers. But its economic impact in Germany is less certain, with hoteliers, taxi drivers and retailers complaining of slow business.