INGLEWOOD, CALIF. — The U.S. may not be a soccer country, but on a breezy Friday evening in Los Angeles, you would never know it.
The atmosphere of the U.S.’s World Cup 4–1 opening match victory over Paraguay was everything the U.S. Men’s National Team could’ve wanted. The stadium was full and it was loud, an electric home field advantage befitting a host nation.
“The tickets cost us $1,500 each,” Juan Luis, a Guatemalan from L.A. attending the match with his wife, Blanca, told Front Office Sports in Spanish. “It’s very expensive, but this happens once every four years, and it’s worth it, I think.”
“It’s very emotional to be here,” Blanca added, also in Spanish.
The feeling in the building was by no means a given.
