In Seattle, the frenzy that took the USA to the knockout rounds after a 2-0 win over Australia started early. From 7am, the bars that surround the stadium were full, the streets that grid the area were pedestrianised, and a wall of red and white – spattered with some green and gold – greeted you.
After the non-starter of 1994, football has now found a home in the US. 66,925 filled the Seattle Stadium and were a constant presence in the encounter. The atmosphere was more European than the typical passiveness that is believed to be the norm in America.
Every tackle was cheered, every incisive pass applauded – this was a crowd, contrary to belief – who felt they were part of the contest.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are living up to the billing too. Without Christian Pulisic, their ‘Captain America’, who was ruled out with a calf issue, it would be intriguing to see how they fared without his creativity.
It was never an issue. Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun dovetailed well as a duo, whilst Weston McKennie found space on the right side to be that threat instead of Pulisic.
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From back to front, this is a serious side. A side not to be taken lightly at this World Cup. With Pochettino in charge, they have someone with experience and a personality who will not let the occasion get the better of his side.
If 2018, when they failed to qualify for the tournament, was the nadir, this team is pushing to reach new heights.
Crowd roar team on
Fox Sports had a studio just outside the stadium for the match, as we have seen across the tournament. The crowd was in the thousands as they broadcast live across the country, mirroring the coverage normally reserved for big college football games.
The sense that this is turning into the people’s tournament was palpable afterwards too. Walking around Pioneer Square, there were as many US shirts as there were Seattle Mariners jerseys on display.
The Mariners were also playing on Friday against the Boston Red Sox, a traditional night for the residents of Seattle – usurped by the men’s national team.
Alongside those jerseys were the mournful Australians, some chatting away to US fans, whilst others continued the party in the plethora of bars that litter downtown Seattle.
A sight captured the imagination. A few blocks on from Seattle Stadium, a group of young people were standing in a circle on the street, doing keepy-ups. This is a regular scene across the world, but not so in America.
Perhaps it is the World Cup fever we all feel, infecting us for a moment of heady optimism after watching your national team win on home soil. Perhaps it’s a sign of things to come.
In 1994, the US bowed out in the round of 16 after a lacklustre campaign more memorably known for their gauche denim-inspired away shirt. The intended bounce of enthusiasm for the sport never materialised.
More than two decades on, the team that the country roots for, with an Argentinian manager, who said the fans made him “emotional” after the game, and a squad built on talent from Europe, have something extra than their predecessors.
Perhaps they are here to stay, perhaps they will create a legacy. Whilst we wait to find out, you feel the party is just getting started.
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