Pool play has finished and 16 teams are left standing. Among the survivors is the most beloved in my household, the United States. Going into the final match the goal was simple, win and move on the round of 16.
Arriving at the match 3 hours before kickoff, I was finally able to enjoy and experience the pre-game festivities. Entering the gates I could feel the tension, both Algeria and United States needed to win. However guns were set down as everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Laughing, taking pictures, and playing pick up games took our minds off the game only hours away. The Algerians loved my friend’s Kimmie and Lauren(somehow amongst the 40,000 people I found another friend from home?!?!) because they were blonde and blue eyed. Therefore every man, woman, and child asked to take a photo with the girls in their hard north african accents. After many pictures we began to explore the fan fest which included PS3 consoles with FIFA 2010, a Sony live studio, and two huge soccer balls(one for the US and the other for Algeria) on which fans could sign their name or wish their team good luck. The balls, sponsored by Hyundai, are traveling to all the team’s games as a way to connect all fans. Before our pre-game fun came to an end, we had a huge “family photo”(all of the original and new family) so all could remember the joy each nations fans brought each other.
Minutes before the first kickoff we found our seats, next to two NASA astronauts and three guys clothed head to toe in flag attire. Getting ready for the next 45 minutes we prep’d our vocal chords, stretched our hammys, and double fisted our drink of choice, we were ready to win!
The first half only brought sorrow and despair, hate chants towards the ref were loud and clear as the US suffered another horrible offsides call, disallowing another goal. Also several misses really had the fans in a sorry state but our hopes were revived by the World Cup cheerleaders (they call them cultural dancers but lets face it, they are cheerleaders).
Going into the second half the fans were ready to explode. Shot after shot the crowd grew more restless. Until in the 91st minutes when our savior number 10 finished a open net ball, securing the United States spot in the round of 16. The stadium was ecstatic, fans were hugging, kissing, and even crying because the US was moving on. I must have hugged 35 people, high-fived 50, and smiled at every person who I saw. Liquids were tossed in the air, I saw one man grab his wife kiss her, kiss his jersey and kiss her again. Grown men were brought to their knees and the young ones had the same passion. Only minutes later the final whistle blew and the pandemonium restarted.
Every player was considered a hero, and I heard man say he was going to name his soon to be son Landon after Landon Donvan.
People in the United States and abroad do not believe the US has a passion for soccer, well come to one World Cup game and the love is undeniable.
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