The U.S. lost to Germany in their final group stage match of the World Cup, but with a little bit of help from Portugal, the Americans are still moving on to the secnd round, and fans flooded the streets of Midtown to celebrate Thursday. NY1′s Jon Weinstein filed the following report.
The U.S. got shut out by Germany and lost, 1-0. So why were fans cheering and celebrating? Because with a little help from Portugal, the Americans are moving on to the second round of the World Cup.
The fans flooded 33rd Street, stalling traffic and sending the message to everyone that the U.S. is moving on.
“We’re the U.S.A. We’re the best,” said one fan.
“We got drawn into the ‘Group of Death.’ No one thought we were going to make it through, and we did,” said another. “Got a win, got a tie, got a loss. It happens, but we’re going through.”
The U.S. advances based on goal differential. It’s a fancy soccer term that takes into account the number of goals scored by a team and scored against opponents. But even if you don’t understand exactly how, know that the Americans are advancing for their second straight World Cup.
“This is like the greatest moment ever, ever,” said one fan. “Can’t believe we’re going on. Yes.”
“We’ve waited so long for this. Every four years,” said another. “This year is bigger than any other past World Cup for the United States.”
The atmosphere inside Jack Demsey’s in Midtown was electric. There were many people playing hooky from work just for the chance to cheer on the red, white and blue.
One fan: America needs us here. This is the official soccer bar of U.S. men’s national soccer in New York. We got to be here.
Weinstein: So work second priority?
One fan: Work takes a back seat today. Somebody can always fill in.
Now, all thoughts turn to Belgium, the U.S.’ next opponent. From now on, it’s win or go home. And as you might imagine, these fans believe they will win.
“I believe we can beat Belgium,” said one fan. “Belgium has a great team, but they’ve played way below the standard that they should be playing, so I think it’s a great setup. If we beat Belgium, we have the opportunity to go very far.”
So the city will continue to be a soccer town for at least one more game.
One fan: This is magic right here. We should down the streets. That’s right. Manhattan, shut down the streets.
Weinstein: For soccer.
One fan: For soccer. Who knew?
U.S. fans will be hoping to replicate that scene again on Tuesday, when the Americans take on Belgium in the second round.
http://ift.tt/1ljyIfc
via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
No comments:
Post a Comment