Advertisement
First Person: Watching Honduras - USA On Closed-Circuit TV
Steven Streff had to haul himself out to a bar and pay a $20 cover fee to see the U.S. qualify for the World Cup. He recounts his adventure.
Oct 11, 2009 10:14:07 PM
By Steven Streff
When word came out that the Honduras - USA match was only going to be shown in bars, I knew there was only one option for me. It wouldn't be enough to sit at home, following along with match trackers. With a spot in the World Cup on the line, I had to be there among the fans. Enough though the coverage charge would burn a hole in my college-kid wallet, it was an experience I couldn't afford to miss out on.
There were only two bars in Washington D.C. where the match was going to be shown with English commentary. I ended up choosing the unfamiliar bar, only because I knew the American Outlaws, one of the U.S. National Team supporters groups, was going to be in attendance there. There were several bars in my town that were showing the game in Spanish, but for a chance to earn a spot in the World Cup, I realized it would be best to be among like-minded supporters.
I arrived early to the bar. Firstly, to ensure I had a place to stand when the game started. Secondly, I was just plain nervous about the game, and that's what I tend to do when nervous. Of course, it cost $20 to get into the bar for the match. One of the biggest downers during the entire night, and something that I hope is not the case the next time in a World Cup Qualifier (if not for myself, then for every other American who just could not logistically get to a bar to watch the match).
Upon arrival, I engaged several members of the AO group about a variety of topics. Most of them were between cautiously optimistic and confident about the upcoming match. But we also discussed the ridiculous nature in which we had to pay so much to watch a single match, as well as the impact of the loss of Clint Dempsey.
When we learned that Conor Casey would be starting as the second striker for the side, there was some definite pessimism. Most of the supporters wanted to see Jozy Altidore start over a guy who had never scored an international goal. Ever.
The game started, and the fans were in full voice. One of the benefits of watching it with a supporters group is being able to hear the multitude of songs and chants that the supporters put together, and think up of on the fly. The atmosphere was terrific, and the appearance of several Honduran fans added a some friendly banter between the two sides.
The first half had its highs and lows throughout the bar. Several dicey moments in defense for the U.S. never panned out for Honduras, but Charlie Davies failed to make the most of his opportunity in the 31st minute. Despite this, the American fans in the bar continued to feel confident about the team's chance in the second half.
That confidence was short lived however, as Honduras went ahead just moments in the second half. For the first time all night, the bar went quiet. Well, except for the four Honduran fans, who could be heard above all others. But the singing from the U.S. supporters stopped, and for quite some time.
But then this funny little thing happened.
Instead of rolling over and allowing Honduras to run riot, the American side responded well to going a goal down. They refused to be shaken, and the hard work by Casey to earn that first goal resonated throughout the entire bar. Then he scored again. Moments later, Landon Donovan made it three.
There was an undeniable sense amongst the people that we had done what was needed to make it to the World Cup. The songs and chants were back at full voice, and the atmosphere began to resemble a party scene at the final moments wound down. Those final moments did not go without their own drama. Regrettably, when Carlos Pavon missed the penalty kick late on, several U.S. supporters got in the faces of the Honduran fans. Fortunately, that was the extent of it, and nothing else came about.
After the anxious final moments, the bar erupted with joy upon the final whistle. Under less than ideal circumstances, the U.S. had managed to earn a place in the World Cup, and the fans who paid extra to have the chance to watch game, which had it's own video transmission problems, were able to celebrate well into the wee hours of the morning.
Steven Streff, Goal.com
Submit your entry to First Person today! Send your soccer story to first.person@goal.com
When word came out that the Honduras - USA match was only going to be shown in bars, I knew there was only one option for me. It wouldn't be enough to sit at home, following along with match trackers. With a spot in the World Cup on the line, I had to be there among the fans. Enough though the coverage charge would burn a hole in my college-kid wallet, it was an experience I couldn't afford to miss out on.
There were only two bars in Washington D.C. where the match was going to be shown with English commentary. I ended up choosing the unfamiliar bar, only because I knew the American Outlaws, one of the U.S. National Team supporters groups, was going to be in attendance there. There were several bars in my town that were showing the game in Spanish, but for a chance to earn a spot in the World Cup, I realized it would be best to be among like-minded supporters.
I arrived early to the bar. Firstly, to ensure I had a place to stand when the game started. Secondly, I was just plain nervous about the game, and that's what I tend to do when nervous. Of course, it cost $20 to get into the bar for the match. One of the biggest downers during the entire night, and something that I hope is not the case the next time in a World Cup Qualifier (if not for myself, then for every other American who just could not logistically get to a bar to watch the match).
Upon arrival, I engaged several members of the AO group about a variety of topics. Most of them were between cautiously optimistic and confident about the upcoming match. But we also discussed the ridiculous nature in which we had to pay so much to watch a single match, as well as the impact of the loss of Clint Dempsey.
When we learned that Conor Casey would be starting as the second striker for the side, there was some definite pessimism. Most of the supporters wanted to see Jozy Altidore start over a guy who had never scored an international goal. Ever.
The game started, and the fans were in full voice. One of the benefits of watching it with a supporters group is being able to hear the multitude of songs and chants that the supporters put together, and think up of on the fly. The atmosphere was terrific, and the appearance of several Honduran fans added a some friendly banter between the two sides.
The first half had its highs and lows throughout the bar. Several dicey moments in defense for the U.S. never panned out for Honduras, but Charlie Davies failed to make the most of his opportunity in the 31st minute. Despite this, the American fans in the bar continued to feel confident about the team's chance in the second half.
That confidence was short lived however, as Honduras went ahead just moments in the second half. For the first time all night, the bar went quiet. Well, except for the four Honduran fans, who could be heard above all others. But the singing from the U.S. supporters stopped, and for quite some time.
But then this funny little thing happened.
Instead of rolling over and allowing Honduras to run riot, the American side responded well to going a goal down. They refused to be shaken, and the hard work by Casey to earn that first goal resonated throughout the entire bar. Then he scored again. Moments later, Landon Donovan made it three.
There was an undeniable sense amongst the people that we had done what was needed to make it to the World Cup. The songs and chants were back at full voice, and the atmosphere began to resemble a party scene at the final moments wound down. Those final moments did not go without their own drama. Regrettably, when Carlos Pavon missed the penalty kick late on, several U.S. supporters got in the faces of the Honduran fans. Fortunately, that was the extent of it, and nothing else came about.
After the anxious final moments, the bar erupted with joy upon the final whistle. Under less than ideal circumstances, the U.S. had managed to earn a place in the World Cup, and the fans who paid extra to have the chance to watch game, which had it's own video transmission problems, were able to celebrate well into the wee hours of the morning.
Steven Streff, Goal.com
Submit your entry to First Person today! Send your soccer story to first.person@goal.com
Advertisement
Most Read
- Arsenal To Hand Cesc Fabregas £30m Deal
- Ivory Coast Fans Angry At Didier Drogba’s Chelsea Brace Against Arsenal
- Premier League Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
- Arsenal Comment: Wenger’s Failure To Buy In January Has Cost Arsenal
- Numbers Game: 17 Reasons Manchester United Don't Miss Cristiano Ronaldo
- Euro 2012 Draw: Italy Meet Serbia, Germany-Turkey & Portugal-Denmark
- Report: Capello To Pick Bridge For England's Egypt Friendly
- The Full English: Dropping Out
- Men Of La Mancha: Whistle Blowers
- Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Retains Interest In Girondins de Bordeaux Striker Marouane Chamakh
- Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal: Didier Drogba Double Dispatches Demoralised Arsenal
Advertisement
Advertisement
Watch
Powered by
Powered by
Powered by
Powered by
