World Cup fans at American Dream relish once-in-a-lifetime chance

EAST RUTHERFORD — Spanish fans waited 16 years between their two World Cup titles. For some, the latest triumph was an even better feeling than in 2010.

One group of Spanish citizens — Jose, Manuel, Inigo and Javier, who decided to keep their surnames private — couldn’t attend that World Cup final win over the Netherlands in South Africa. They traveled to subsequent tournaments in Brazil and Russia, where Spain failed to make the quarterfinals both times.

Though they were scattered across Europe — Manuel in Frankfurt, Germany; Inigo in Rome, Italy; Javier in Switzerland and Jose in Valencia, Spain — they all knew they couldn’t be absent this time.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it live,” Javier said. “None of us was there [in 2010], so now we don't want to miss it, basically.”

Their first stop before trekking over to MetLife Stadium was American Dream. And the four weren’t the only ones to do so. Thousands of Argentina and Spain supporters, as well as fans donning a multitude of other jerseys, invaded the mall just outside the stadium for Sunday’s World Cup final. Some, like the group, made a pitstop there before the game, while others attended the watch party at American Dream’ Fan Fest.

Those who stayed saw Spain down Argentina, 1-0, in a game that went down to the wire, eliciting lively crowd reactions with every save, controversial calls and of course, Ferran Torres’ game-winning goal in extra time.

Fans began arriving at American Dream early in the morning. By 10 a.m., five hours before the final was slated to kick off, hundreds were already lined up to get a coveted spot inside the rink for an unobstructed view of the big screen. Others lined the railings on the first, second and third levels, with some even hanging Argentina and Spain flags from the balconies.

Argentinian fans appeared to make up the majority of fans in attendance. Loud cheers erupted every time Lionel Messi appeared on the screen, including when he was shown getting off the team bus and during pregame introductions. Fans also broke out into songs every few minutes, while deafening drums, airhorns and other instruments played in the background.

One fan, Luis Martinez, arrived at American Dream early to meet up with a friend before heading to the game. Martinez was born in Argentina and now lives in Orlando, Florida, where he flew in from last night.

Martinez said he was born into being a soccer fan like many Argentinians — it means “everything” to him. That’s why he said he paid over $9,000 for his ticket Sunday. He also credits Messi for bolstering his love for the sport.

“(Messi) did everything with his life and gave us everything,” Martinez said. “Everybody knows Messi. If you don't play soccer, you know Messi. We will see today the last dance of a very good human being.”

Jhoshelen Coromel and Michael Romano, a couple who lives in Connecticut, weren’t born soccer fans, however. They showed up to American Dream this morning alongside their friend Kemia Chambi to take everything in, since the tournament likely won’t be back in the United States for a long time.

They didn’t have tickets to the game and said they planned to drive back to Connecticut after spending a few hours in the mall. Though Coromel is from Bolivia, she and Romano have adopted Argentina as their team for this tournament because of her favorite player, Messi.

“For us, it was something new,” Coromel said, who matched Romano with an Argentina baseball jersey and FIFA World Cup hat. “There is a bunch of things to come and enjoy. And today is the final of the World Cup. So we say, what a day to come by and walk around.”

“We're probably never gonna get another opportunity in this country to be close,” Romano added.

Of course, Spain came out victorious. Many at American Dream, like New York residents Al and Reyna Gonzalez, sported Lamine Yamal or Pedri jerseys in support of their favorite players.

Al said he bought tickets to the game a week ago once Spain beat France to advance to the final. He and Reyna decided to kill some time in American Dream’s food court before the game.

While the two watched Spain win the title in person, many others intently watching the big screen at American Dream erupted in raucous cheers once the victory was finally sealed. They jumped up and down, waved handheld flags — anything to show their support amid the frenzy.

It all occurred just a few thousand feet from MetLife, a hub for fans who didn’t want to pay the lucrative prices for tickets but are still just as passionate about their team.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: World Cup fans at American Dream relish once-in-a-lifetime chance