The World Cup quarterfinals are set, with eight teams remaining in the tournament. The United States’ run ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, but many fans say their interest in the tournament did not end with their team’s elimination. Supporters from around the world are embracing new favorites to cheer for through the final stages of the World Cup.
Local Fans Weigh In
Enrique Zarate, whose native Mexico was eliminated earlier, shifted his support to France. He said Kylian Mbappé is one of his favorite players and he believes France has the talent to win the World Cup. Martina Vega, of Ecuador, backed Argentina, because she admires the team’s style of play: ‘They play as a team, not an individual, and their fans are definitely a great fan base.’ American fan Rith Nou said he shifted his support to Norway after the U.S. was eliminated.
Morocco is one of the only two non-European teams left, along with Argentina, and supporter Sabrina Marmucha welcomes fans looking for a new team to follow. ‘We want everyone to join,’ Marmucha said. ‘We love culture. We love diversity. We want to bring as many people as we can to the cup.’ The tournament moves into the quarterfinals, starting with France vs. Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
