In Thursday's World Cup action in Brazil, the United States advanced to the second round of the tournament for the second time in a row, despite losing to Germany by one goal to nil. Germany finished on top of the group with the win, while the USA held on to the second spot thanks to its earlier tie with Portugal and victory over Ghana. Several thousand fans showed up to watch the USA-Germany game on big screens in a Washington neighborhood - the city's largest public viewing of the World Cup so far.

Passion for U.S. soccer was on full display in the nation's capital as Americans flocked to Dupont Circle Park to watch their national team in World Cup action against Germany.

Among them was Eric Miller from neighboring Virginia.

"I think it's a great display of patriotism, makes me proud to be an American," said Miller.

For his girlfriend, Briana Havrialesky, it was a new experience.

"I've never done something like this for a sporting event. But soccer is really exciting at this time of year," said Havrialesky.

A local civic group called Dupont Festival set up two big screens to show the match live.

So many people turned out to see the game that some struggled to get a good view.

The event's main sponsor was the German Embassy in Washington.

Its ambassador, Peter Wittig, said the purpose was to emulate the football festivals that attract huge crowds in Germany.

"In our country, soccer is clearly number one and here it’s one sport among others. I know it’s very big in school but it’s on the national radar screen as well, and the better this team - the U.S. team - and by the way, it’s a great team - scores in the World Cup, the more the popularity of this sport of course will rise in the U.S.," said Wittig.

One American fan said he believes World Cup success for the United States will resonate around the world.

"It means that we are better than other countries not only in our sports but also their sports," said Frank Vasquez.

German couple Ralph Uhl and his wife Jutta were among hundreds of Germany supporters who also enjoyed the event.

But Ulh noticed one key difference from viewing parties back home: "In Germany, we can drink beer!"

Other Germany fans had some advice for their American counterparts.

"Be there for your team and they will do better," said one fan.

"Cheer more, that's a good tip!" offered another.

The first time Washington held this kind of public viewing of a U.S. World Cup match was four years ago at the same venue, Dupont Circle, when fans turned out to see the U.S. team tie England 1-1.

With other cities across the country hosting fan fests for the U.S. games, it looks like these events may finally become an American tradition. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Economy and Finance