The day started much earlier than normal. I was unpleasantly awoken by the buzzing of my alarm at five in the morning. Even though it was a ridiculous time to wake up in the morning considering it was the middle of summer, I was more than happy to get up. I quickly showered and got dressed in my patriotic red, white, and blue. I waited anxiously looking out my window for my friend to come pick me up, we were off to the Power and Light district of Kansas City, Missouri. The reason for the early morning departure from Omaha to Kansas City was so that we could claim a prime viewing spot for the United States vs Portugal World Cup Match.
As we arrived to Kansas City at about eight, we drove through Mcdonalds for breakfast and headed over the the watch party. Even though we got there about five hours before the game, there were already a couple hundred people standing around waiting for the "party" to start. After a long yet fun wait that included eating some KC barbeque and meeting a bunch of new people it was finally time for kickoff.
The atmosphere there was like no other, thousands of people yelling and cheering. The chanting of "USA! USA! USA!" could be heard throughout the entire game. When Portugal took an early lead the jubilation turned to a nervous buzz. When The United States scored goals to tie the game and later take the lead there was almost deafening loudness. Everyone was jumping up and down, hugging each other in pure joy while beer was being sprayed into the air. Immediately the whole crowd started the "I believe that we will win" chant with nothing but smiles on their faces. Portugal scored late to end the game in a tie, it truly felt like heartbreak. Even though we didn't lose the game, a tie meant that we didn't win the group stage outright and our fate was now dependent upon the outcome of a different game. Everyone left the Power and Light district physically and emotionally drained.
During the ride home, my friend and I reflected on all that had happened that day with nothing but happiness that we got to go through the experience. Even though the outcome of the game was not what we had hoped for, we had a blast meeting new people and showing our United States spirit. Many of the people there and across the country probably weren't big soccer fans like we are, but it brings joy to know that every four years people cheer on the United States soccer team for the pure fact that they have pride in this country if nothing else.
