World Cup fans from U.S. and Australia bring electric 'vibe' to Seattle

SEATTLE – The World Cup game between the U.S. and Australia, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the U.S., was a sight and sound to behold as fans from both countries packed the Seattle stadium. Prior to the game, decked out in red, white and blue, the U.S. fans arrived early at 8 a.m. along with thousands of Aussies proudly wearing their yellow national team jerseys. The exuberant atmosphere was palpable in the vendor-lined streets before the kickoff at noon. 

Mike Bandia traveled cross-country from Hopkinton, Mass., to Seattle with his wife and two young sons to support the U.S. team in the World Cup.  

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that we wanted the boys to experience, and just making memories," he said. 

His oldest son, Will, was impressed with the atmosphere. "It's gonna be awesome," he said. "It's so electric here, it's like everyone's happy and it's one big party." 

Steve Jolly, originally from Scotland and now residing in the Gold Coast of Australia, came with his friend Adam Hartaf from Sydney. They flew to Seattle from Boston after watching the national team of Scotland’s game. 

Jolly said they had a wonderful time in Boston. "It was awesome. Great experience, great time and great party," he said. He predicted a 4-1 victory for the U.S. despite his allegiance to Australia. "Absolutely not confident. I'm just here for the party." 

Hartaf was on a World Cup circuit, attending multiple games across North America, with plans to continue his World Cup travels to Dallas, then San Francisco and back across the East coast. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm a big soccer fan," he said. To pay for the trip, he jested, "I remortgaged the house, three times." 

Two other Australian fans, Jonathan Griffiths from Queensland and his sister Madison, were in Seattle for their first World Cup experience. They arrived on Wednesday and stayed at a friend's house. Jonathan said they enjoyed the atmosphere and described the experience as "great" with perfect weather. They expressed their excitement for the game, the loud stadium, and the communal spirit of soccer fans.  

"Look, it's great," Jonathan said. "The atmosphere is great. There were chants coming in on the train. We're having a great time." 

"I'm just here for the vibes," his sister said. "The fans are great; the vibes are hot, everybody's happy. I think it's gonna be a great day, and the weather's perfect." 

Mia Rondeau, a high school soccer player from Scottsdale, Ariz., expressed excitement about her first World Cup experience in Seattle. She predicted that the USA team would win, despite concerns about the availability of star player Pulisic. She believed the current team had improved compared to past years, increasing their chances of advancing to the round of 32.  

"I feel like the team has more control of the ball on the ground, passing and dribbling and shooting," she said, "but I feel like we also have control in the air: free kicks and corner kicks, and all of that. So, I think we have a better chance this year than any other year before." 

She also noted the high energy and enthusiasm at the event, which she found incredible.  

"The World Cup so far has been amazing," she said. "It's just everything. So much energy, and everyone’s just out and feels so upbeat, and everyone's just bringing everything they have, all the energy, and it's just unreal." 

    Mia Rondeau, a high school soccer player from Scottsdale, Ariz., is ready to attend the U.S. vs. Australia World Cup game in Seattle.
  

    Jonathan Griffiths from Queensland, Australia was with his sister, Madison. They were in Seattle for their first World Cup experience.
  

    Australia fans by the thousands filled the stands for the U.S. World Cup in Seattle.