World Cup fans describe Dallas in one word ahead of semifinal

Ask World Cup fans to describe Dallas in one word, and you’ll get very different answers.

“Hot.”

“Welcoming.”

“Empty.”

As thousands of supporters packed Dallas Stadium Tuesday for the World Cup semifinal between Spain and France, visitors praised the tournament’s organization, the food and the hospitality. 

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They said they thought they would find more fans celebrating throughout the city. Even so, they praised the tournament’s organization after arriving the night before the match.

“The organization has been sensational,” said Alex del Rio, 31, who is from Sevilla, Spain. 

That contrast stood out even more for Tino Lorenzo, 61, of Cantabria, Spain.

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After spending nearly three weeks in the United States to follow Spain through the knockout stage, Lorenzo said Dallas felt “quiet” and lacked the pedestrian hustle and bustle compared with cities back home and other cities that are hosting games.

“You only see cars and cars,” Lorenzo said. “In Spain, people are out on the streets. You see much more life.”
Still, he said the food exceeded expectations.

“We’ve eaten more Mexican food than American food,” Lorenzo said. “It’s been excellent.”

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For Elena Sagues, 27, and Jose Romero, 30, two Spaniards who now live in Iowa City, the semifinal was worth booking a last-minute flight.

“You never know when Spain is going to be back in a World Cup semifinal,” Sagues said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The couple arrived early and were surprised to see fans gathering outside the stadium hours before kickoff, many dressed in jerseys, waving flags and singing.

Not everyone viewed Dallas through Spanish eyes.

Ishmael Thomas, 20, of Paris, came to Arlington hoping to watch France advance to another World Cup final. He said he enjoyed seeing soccer become the center of attention in a city better known for other sports.

“Now that it’s in Dallas, it makes everybody want to play this sport,” he said.

For Lee, Heather and Josh Harbaugh of Arlington, the words that best described Dallas were “hot,” “welcoming” and “hospitality.”

The family said the tournament created something bigger than soccer.

“It’s nice to see everybody come together,” they said. “To be one world together.”