World Cup was a success for the United States | Local Sports
Despite some concern, it’s clear the World Cup in North America has once again been a great success. The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) may not have done as well as we wanted, but the United States of America did an amazing job.
We consider ourselves a fiercely independent nation, for over 250 years now, and seem to pride ourselves on not being concerned about what other people around the world say about us. Still, they say stuff and those that have come to visit during the World Cup have been saying some really complimentary things.
Visitors have discovered and fallen in love with parts of our culture, especially the food parts. The social media posts from visiting fans regarding things like ranch dressing, Waffle House, free drink refills, Texas BBQ, Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have been plentiful and positive.
So has the feedback been about American fans and the host cities and I cannot express to you how much pride I have felt reading and hearing about that. Our food is great, but our people can be second to none.
It was the fans in Seattle that made me the most proud. They not only delighted visiting fans with their hospitality, but they impressed all of us with their fandom.
Visitors to the region raved about Seattle and all that the city had to offer. Apparently local citizens were very welcoming as were businesses and the local hospitality industry. I’m sure those last two groups fared very well with the economy boost provided by the World Cup.
It was those same citizens, business owners and local hospitality employees that helped fill that stadium in Seattle and showed off the 12th man. Football fans already know what I’m talking about.
Anyone who has watched the Seattle Seahawks play over the past decade knows about the 12th man. That’s what their local fan base calls themselves and it’s a nickname they’ve earned.
They are loud, they are organized, they are intent on being the home-field advantage and they do a tremendous job. Football fans already knew about them and now, fútbol fans do too because they showed off on the world stage.
Their vocal support for the USMNT was incredible and they left fans and media members wildly impressed. They took the same energy they bring to being the 12th man in Football to a soccer match on the world stage which it turns out is the absolute perfect environment for such a rabid fan base.
There are no more enthusiastic (or crazy) fans around the world than soccer fans and if you earn their respect as a fan base, you’ve accomplished something. The fans in Seattle have given all Americans a little bit more credibility regarding soccer. They represented us all and they did so very well.
There is no shortage of corruption and scandal surrounding FIFA in the World Cup every year. The same is true this year, but I’m glad it’s not the only story.
When it comes to the United States of America hosting the World Cup, I’d say it was a huge success. Well, done my people, well done.
David Friedman is a long time sports writer, columnist and mensch. He and his son currently reside in Wilmington. David can be reached via e-mail at fourthandlongcolumn@gmail.com