From Reims to Paris to Le Havre and back to Reims – every time the USWNT played at this FIFA Women’s World Cup ™, the stadium was a sea of red, white and blue.
“We had another World Cup that feels like a home world championship,” Megan Rapinoe told FIFA.com when referring to Canada 2015, where the Americans massively crossed the border.
“The support of the fans not only from traveling fans, but also from some French fans in the region was incredible and filled the stadiums in our games. That just makes it so much more enjoyable and makes the experience so much better. “
No one had expected the US to receive such astronomical support with this tournament, held four years ago on another continent, rather than a neighbor, but these loyal, passionate Americans have made history repeat itself.
“The stadiums rocked,” said Julie Ertz. “In 2015 it was unbelievable that the fans were there and they were so loud. When we came to France, we wondered if it could be similar, and it was unreal to hear them all over the game. “
On Friday, the Parc des Princes will undoubtedly be filled with red, white and blue, but with the US beating hosts France, the question is which side will have the most support. The quarter-finals are commonly referred to as “The Finale That Should Have Been”.
“I know there’s a lot of hype around this game and there’s a lot of talk about how it’s going to be the final, but I’m so excited to just go out there,” said Mal Pugh. “I know it’s going to be a great match because it’s in Paris and we may be the outsider, but frankly I know we’ll be fine if we continue building on the momentum we had.”
Rapinoe believes that the US will have at least half of the Parc des Princes behind it, but is pleased about the competition, even if this is not the case.
“I think it will be fun, we can not play often in front of enemy spectators,” said the two-goal hero in the defeat of the US in the second round against Spain. “We play a lot of games at home, many friendlies, that’s why we always have everyone on our side. I feel like it will be fun. But the way the fans traveled will be at least 50/50. “
