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SALT LAKE CITY — Even before the U.S. soccer team won its World Cup game Monday night, FIFA fever hit Utah.
There’s a lot of interest, a lot of passion and a lot of money being spent as World Cup intrigue grows in Utah.
Sporting goods store Soccer International is filled with equipment, but it doesn’t have any U.S. jerseys left. Even the official FIFA soccer balls are selling out at $160 each.
“We ordered a few, and sold out, brought them back again and sold out and now we're on the third round,” Soccer International owner Constantin Martin said.
Brazil fan Heraldo Dominges was in luck when he needed a team jersey — essential gear for him during the host nation’s matches.
“It's like to show them I support them,” he said of the jersey’s importance. “And to show I’m Brazilian, and proud of that.”
It's all proof World Cup fever is rampant in Utah.
Utah Soccer fan and Rancid drummer Branden Steineckert composed a song to "stand united" behind team USA.
ESPN, the network broadcasting the event, reported that USA’s first game versus Ghana Monday night registered a 7.0 ratings share on Nielsen’s overnight report, which broke the previous record for a FIFA World Cup match on the channel.
But the reality is the U.S. team is just one of a lot of favorites for people in Utah. Brazil fans packed the Rodizio Grill Tuesday— engrossed in the game, wrapped in the flag, munching on traditional food and anxious for the win that didn't come this time.
Across town, soccer fan Amir Porras says the roots of his interest run deep.
“I've watched soccer my whole life. Since I think my first word was 'goal,’ ” he said. “You can tell I’m a pretty good fan.”
This game is obviously popular enough, but during primetime games you'll have a hard time actually finding a place to sit down. It's standing room only at some venues. It probably shouldn't be a surprise to a lot of people at this point.
