San Diego may not have the fiercest of soccer hooligans, but there sure were some loyal fans in Kearny Mesa Wednesday morning.
The fans gathered at O’Brien’s Pub on 4646 Convoy St., donning face paint and soccer scarves to watch the US team beat France 3-1 in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup in Moenchengladbach, Germany.
When the clock ran down, they erupted in cheers, took sips from a communal beer mug and sang – albeit prematurely – Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”
“The girls were awesome,” said one fan at O’Brien’s after the game. “It’s great for the US and great for women’s soccer. I had complete faith. We had hope.”
The Americans were trailing behind 0-1 in the first half of the game, making the fans nervous. But after the first goal tied the game, many smelled victory.
“France played fantastic,” said another fan. “It was close.”
The next two goals came in quick succession, with the third goal secured in the 79th minute.
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“Once we got that third goal, I knew we were in it,” said another fan. “I was worried up till then, but I had confidence in our team.”
The US team will go on to play Japan on Sunday in Frankfurt. The fans will convene at O’Brien’s once more for the final game.
