A group came directly from Guatemala to watch the game. (By Jacqueline García)
As the FIFA Men’s World Cup group stage is coming to an end, there was a bittersweet moment on Thursday at tSoFi Stadium when Turkey beat USA 3-2.
The 12th man, aka the hinchas, from every group cheered as Turkey left the World Cup as a winner against the USA and as for “el equipo de todos” while losing this game, they are still moving to the knockout round as the top of Group D.
This moment was cheered by thousands of people from all over the world that packed the stadium.
A few hours before the game, as people were making their entrance, loud chants along with the clamor of drums and whistles were heard, stopping people and compelling them to join in the fun. The group was Barra 76, a national group of hinchas supporting the USA team.
D’lolly Lopez-Andollo, who attended along with other members of the Barra 76 NY, said they are a group of Latinos and others from all over the country who are supporting women’s and men’s soccer teams.
“We are here for the culture, we are here for the vibe, we are here to support the USA,” she said while enjoying the cheers.
Members of Barra 76 before entering the SoFi Stadium. (By Jacqueline García)
Inside the stadium, Mayli Ruano was proudly holding her Guatemalan flag. She said she came directly from Guatemala after winning tickets through a VISA credit card lottery.
“First time in Los Angeles, first time at a live match, first time watching soccer, first time in all of it,” she said. “Proudly Guatemalan here, 100% chapina.”
Ruano said she would support whoever wins but her first option was the USA because it’s part of the American continent.
“When we won the ticket we thought we were going to be all the way up there, but look where we are,” she said, pointing at the VIP section.
Other Guatemalan fans, like Rigoberto and Wilton, who also won tickets were excited to visit Los Angeles and enjoy the game.
“We are so proud to represent our country and let’s go, USA!” Rigoberto said.
Armando, who was also part of the group, said he traveled with his daughter and was still impressed to be at the SoFi because he applied to the VISA contest a while back, but never expected he would be selected.
“We are in VIP! This is super exciting,” he said. “Plus, I have family who live about 15 minutes away from here so we are staying extra days with them.”
The stadium not only had Hollywood celebrities watching the match, but also brought more Latinidad with Banda AZ playing live during hydration and half time break.
Hinchas cheering for the USA. (By Jacqueline García)
Moving to the round of 32
The round of 32 is beginning to take shape and all three host countries–Mexico, USA and Canada–have made the cut. Other Latino countries who are part of the knockout phase are Brazil and Argentina.
Colombia, Panama and Uruguay play this weekend. Ecuador is currently in third place of Group E. They had a historic win on Thursday 2-1 against Germany.
The USA’s next game will be against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 at 5pm at the San Francisco Bay Stadium.
There are several places to watch the games for free in Los Angeles, including the FIFA Fan Zones, LA Galaxy Park and USMNT events. Check out their websites for more information.
