Despite Wales draw, US fans happy to see team back in World Cup

After eight-year wait, jubilant US followers have a good time their nationwide crew’s return to the World Cup in recreation towards Wales.

Dozens of US and Wales fans have braved the cold weather in Washington, DC to watch the game.
Followers in Washington, DC, have a good time the primary US purpose within the 2022 World Cup towards Wales [Ali Harb/Al Jazeera]

Washington, DC – It was a nailbiter — a recreation of two halves that might have gone both manner.

And whereas america males’s nationwide crew (USMNT) drew 1-1 to Wales in its first World Cup match in additional than eight years on Monday, for a lot of American followers the joy started at kick-off and didn't cease till the ultimate whistle, irrespective of the rating.

“It was unimaginable,” 33-year-old Allan Hutchins stated of listening to the US nationwide anthem at the World Cup. “Ah-may-zing, completely wonderful,” he added, stressing each syllable.

Hutchins was amongst dozens of American followers who gathered at an outside park at DuPont Circle within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, on Monday afternoon to observe the US crew step onto the pitch at Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Chants of “USA, USA” and “I consider that we are going to win” broke out amongst the group as quickly because the US nationwide anthem concluded.

Nonetheless, Hutchins was not solely proud of the ultimate outcome. He stated the US ought to have received as a result of the crew dominated the match for lengthy intervals and took the lead, just for Wales to equalise with a late penalty kick.

Vladimir Guzman, one other US fan, additionally stated he was lower than happy with the draw, however he was joyful sufficient to see the USMNT in Qatar, particularly given his native Bolivia has not certified for the World Cup since 1994.

“Why would I be disillusioned? I believe we performed nice,” he advised Al Jazeera.

With soccer — identified within the US as soccer — rising in reputation over time, the World Cup is capturing individuals’s consideration throughout the nation.

Viewers are adjusting their each day schedules, and a few cities are even altering laws to accommodate the match. For instance, in Washington, DC, the town council handed an emergency measure to permit bars and eating places to remain open 24-7 for the World Cup.

At DuPont Circle on Monday, jubilant followers roared, jumped and embraced when American striker Timothy Whea put the ball previous the Welsh keeper and into the again of the online to place the crew up 1-0 within the thirty sixth minute.

The jersey-wearing and flag-waving followers weren't deterred by the chilly climate as they got here collectively to observe the sport.

“It’s been a very long time coming,” 21-year-old Mamadou Wone stated of the US return to the World Cup. “Final time we missed out, and it was sort of heartbreaking to me. However at the very least we’re again, and hopefully we are able to go so far as we probably can.”

Egyptian-American Youssef Ibrahim, standing in a US crew shirt with an American flag sticker on his cheek, was among the many most visibly enthused followers on the watch occasion. He was 11 years outdated the final time the US performed in a World Cup.

“Everybody has been ready for this second for eight years now,” Ibrahim advised Al Jazeera. “It’s only a loopy feeling.”

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