TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Excitement was building in Tallahassee after Team USA’s 2-0 win Wednesday against Bosnia-Herzegovina, with local fans looking ahead to Monday’s match against Belgium and saying the dramatic victory showed the team’s determination to reach the World Cup finals.
In the Collegetown area near Florida State University, students who follow soccer said they were confident Team USA would play well again on Monday.
Dushane Harpool, a senior at Florida State University who grew up playing soccer in Jamaica and South Florida, said he believes the U.S. can advance. “Going into Monday I think Punchatino has a problem on his head to figure out their strikers solution but I still think we can get a result against Belgium and make it trough to the quarter finals,” Harpool said.
Andrew Warner, an FHSAA Hall of Fame soccer coach at Maclay School in Tallahassee who has been involved with the sport for decades, said he likes the camaraderie and momentum he’s seeing from Team USA heading into the Belgium match. “I think if US can keep it low scoring will be better. I’m anticipating a 2 to 1 game for USA,” Warner said.
Across the street from Harpool on the soccer field, other FSU students also shared their expectations for Monday.
“We need to compete at that same level like we actually have the merit to really compete with these other European teams because if not we are just losing,” said Chris Silvas, a senior at Florida State University. Silvas predicted a U.S. win, adding, “Team USA for sure can get it done in our own backyard, I believe in our boys for sure. I say that the score will be 3 to 1.”
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Team USA vs. Belgium is scheduled to air Monday night at 8 p.m. on Fox 49.