SPOKANE, Wash. — Soccer fans across Spokane celebrated Friday night as the US Men’s National Team beat Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup opener.
Watch parties filled bars and restaurants throughout the city. Fans cheered together as the national team played on soccer’s biggest stage.
“You don’t only have your voice… you have 10, 15, 20 other people that are cheering… every time you get a goal… you get like 20 people jumping up with their hands up,” said one fan.
The shared experience brought people together who might not normally connect.
“Sports is binding like tape it brings everyone together… even if you’re here with your opponent you may have some fun banter together but it’s all in good fun,” another fan said.
Long-time soccer fans enjoyed seeing new viewers get excited about the sport during World Cup play.
“I’m a soccer fan through and through… I grew up playing soccer and watching soccer… so it’s pretty awesome to see people watching the game that I watch all the time and cheering for the game that I’ve always cheered for,” one supporter said.
The big win over Paraguay has fans hopeful about the team’s tournament chances. The three points from the opening game give the US momentum heading into group play.
“Getting three points off of the first game is huge… let’s get out of this group and see what we can do,” said one fan.
Some fans are dreaming big about how far the team might go.
“2nd round is gonna be a tough round for them… my hope is that they at least make it to the knockout rounds… but my God if they win the championship… that’ll be like the hockey game against Russia,” another supporter said.
The US plays Australia next Friday. Spokane fans plan to keep the watch parties going as the tournament continues.
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