MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Soccer fans came together to watch two FIFA World Cup teams play at Miami Stadium.
The fans traveled from Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and across the U.S., as well as local South Florida natives to be at the match at Miami Gardens on Monday evening.
“Zero for Saudi! Ten-Zero!” said a Uruguay fan outside the stadium before the game.
“Let’s go Uruguay!” said another fan before the game began.
Following the game that ended with a draw, some fans walked out of the stadium with a little disappointment, but others remained excited.
“People forget about it, you know, they beat Argentina in 2022 in Qatar, so they’re definitely a good team, they started very aggressive, and they got a goal, and then yeah, but I think Uruguay was a better team overall,” said soccer fan Wilberto Rivera about Saudi Arabia.
While some fans had been to World Cup matches before, others were there for their first time.
“I stood there for a second and I froze, and I was like ‘This is the World Cup? Wow,'” said a fan. “Like I never imagined going to the World Cup, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Monday’s match is the second time that the two teams have played against each other, with the first time being in 2018. At that time, Uruguay won the match.
While many fans wanted to be at the match to support their country, other fans came to watch a FIFA World Cup match regardless of who would be playing.
“You’re at the wrong match,” said 7News reporter Marisela Burgos jokingly to a fan wearing a Team Colombia jersey.
“No, I’m not! We gotta bring the Colombians so they’ll know who they’re gonna face,” said the fan.
Some fans arrived early, and gathered at the Fan Zone before the match began.
“Feel the fans, and the community, and the love for country, and the love for the sport in a way that is just indescribable. You can’t get it through the TV what you feel physically in the stands,” said soccer fan Fernand Amandi.
“Fans from everywhere, doesn’t matter if they’re from Saudi Arabia, or from Uruguay, everybody came, everybody’s dancing, everyone is cheering. One way or the other, didn’t matter. Everyone was having a good time,” said soccer fan Paola Moya.
The match is Saudi Arabia’s seventh appearance in the World Cup, and Uruguay’s 15th appearance.
“We’re going to be with [Saudi Arabia] anywhere they go to. I’m going to go to all the three games, so I think we’re going to win today. This is why I’m here,” said a Saudi Arabia fan.
“I’m excited because I get to do it, and I get to do it in my home town, in my home soil,” said soccer fan Roman Amandi.
Saudi Arabia has never won a World Cup while Uruguay has won twice, with the last win being in 1950.
The second match at Miami Stadium will be on Sunday.
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