Of the World Cup teams to play ‘Dallas Stadium,’ there is a narrow winner
The World Cup has exceeded all high expectations that come with its insane price points on everything from the price of tickets to keychains.
How people afford attending more than one of these matches is a testament to wealth, the power of savings, or the willingness to live with debt.
FIFA gets away with these prices because its World Cup is the greatest party in sports. A rager that’s every four years, a marriage of Halloween and Mardi Gras, and an epicenter of joy.
Since the World Cup arrived in North Texas with its first match on June 14, we have been fortunate to watch a slate of great games, all supported by fan bases that this country has no equal. The people-watching nearly eclipses watching the games.
The best part — everyone is so polite, nice and kind. No out-of-control drinking. No parking lot fights. None of the abusive behavior that is so common in major college football, and a staple of tailgating at far too many NFL games.
In an effort to do the impossible, here are the best group of fans that have visited Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at this World Cup, in descending order.
7. Croatia
The Eastern European nation with a population of 3.8 million has “size” challenges. The red-and-white checker outfits stood out in their match against England on June 17, and there were a few fans whose attire combined with other physical “attributes” made for viral images that were borderline NC-17.
6. Austria
Was cautiously optimistic the nation’s most famous former citizen would show up, but Arnold Schwarzenegger did not appear for Austria’s match against Argentina on June 22.
The Austrian fans during this match were badly outnumbered, but props to their people for creative attire. Some fans wore cowboy hats with lederhosen. One Austrian fan dressed as Mozart.
5. England
From a fan perspective, the Brits did not deliver to their reputation. Us ugly Americans thought we would be treated to a louder version of Scotland’s “Tartan Army,” the fan base that has won this World Cup through its bag pipes, singing and alcohol consumption that could only be equalled by an LSU/Alabama football game.
Fans of the international soccer version of the Dallas Cowboys invaded pubs from Dallas to Arlington to Fort Worth in advance of their match against Croatia. The Brits were polite and mostly tame.
4. Sweden
Turns out the Swedish National Bikini team is just a myth; but the yellow and blue from Sweden descended upon DFW for its final group match against Japan on June 25.
To their credit, the Swedish Army did deliver the goods with its march from Globe Life Field to Dallas Stadium before the match, which was full of coordinated chants and songs with just a dash of public urination. This march alone puts the Swedes near the top of any support group, and it’s No. 4 here because the others are just so strong.
3. Netherlands
The best pre-game party ever is thrown by the Dutch. Hours before the Netherlands’ match against Japan, the globally famous Orange Bus was there to start the party. The Orange Walk from Choctaw Stadium featured thousands of orange-clad fans who sang and danced, nearly all in unison.
There is no better pep rally in sports.
2. Argentina
The Argentinians rank above the Dutch by one decimal point not because of a pre-game party, but a spontaneous commitment “to the bit” that should inspire all fans.
A large portion of the Argentine fans use a match to serve as Halloween Lite, and come dressed in outfits that would inspire a Hollywood costume director. When the match actually starts, all of their fans sing and party regardless of the score.
Against Austria on June 22, national treasure Lionel Messi needed one goal to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Early in the match, he was handed a chance to break the mark on a penalty kick. Done. Over. In the bank.
He missed, and three seconds later, after his supporters had a chance to digest the disappointment, they all responded by singing and dancing. He broke the record later in the half, and the fan reaction to the make was only barely louder to his miss.
A team would be lucky to have this sort of support.
1. Japan
The Blue Samurai is here because of its infant-like level of persistence in the support of their team. It doesn’t eat. It doesn’t drink. It doesn’t sleep. It only makes noise, and just keeps poking and prodding until the match is over.
Every other fan base mentioned here has its strengths and charms, but all of them but Japan take a minute or two, or 10, to breathe. The Japanese don’t need air.
The Japanese don’t need to do anything other than bang a drum, wave their trash bags, and chant throughout the entire match. They come dressed in a variety of Japanese-themed outfits, from Samurai warriors to kimonos.
There is no fan base in America that comes close to level of constant noise that the fans of the Blue Samurai generate for hours on end. The songs and chants will penetrate your skull, and won’t fade for days.
And when the match is over, they pick up their own trash, too.
