World Cup flair in Santa Barbara: from football fans and dream dancers

In the many Mexican restaurants, people stare spellbound at the screens while mechanically sucking on the Mexican beers “Modelo” or “Pacifico”. Grabbing the tacos and nachos also works as if by magic.

The World Cup has long since arrived in the city on California’s west coast. Where the Austrian national team has set up its headquarters. And the red-white-red kickers can also be seen in the shopping street from time to time, if time or team boss Ralf Rangnick allows.

Then they take a relaxed stroll with their families through the pedestrian zone or sit with a coffee. Most of them with a cap pulled low over their faces. You are incognito.

Total Cup

Wednesday, 6 p.m., Mexico meets the Czech Republic, the bars are packed. Ernesto even brought the World Cup trophy with him, a really big achievement. At his side is a female fan with a Brazil jersey. Just don’t let yourself be provoked!

Will Mexico win the trophy? “No, it won’t work out. But we have a good team, we can go far in the tournament. We beat the Czech Republic 2-0.” A close miss is also over, dear Ernesto, don’t underestimate your Mexicans! They end up winning 3-0.

A lady with a Mexican jersey and a striking feather headdress on her head, reminiscent of Aztec rule, also flits through the picture. But she is clearly too young for that.

From the “Baja Sharkeez” you take a change pass over State Street to the “Special Brewing Company”. The heads are turned to the screens, a scream goes through the room when the television on the left no longer has a signal and the screen goes black for a short time. A little later everyone is in the picture when Mexico takes the lead.

The expertise

Only three young ladies are of very little interest; for the past 30 minutes they have been sending kisses to their cell phones for selfies. The game has little influence on them. Likewise to a group holding a dance class in the middle of the street. You glide over the asphalt in a rocking step following the dance teacher’s instructions. What a contrast.

Michelle, on the other hand, follows what is happening closely and is happy to share her passion for football. “I’m here for every Mexico game.” Is there as much going on when the USA plays? “No, there is a difference. In Mexico, football has a completely different tradition and a very high status, we are a football nation.”

Mexico, she thinks, won’t become world champions after all. “But I hope we can come here a few more times for games.” She also knows about Austria and that the ÖFB team has set up camp in Santa Barbara. “I’ve heard about that, I think it’s great. You also have a good team that plays intense football.”

Just an expert.

Mario is standing next to him, his cap has a large M on it. At the last goal he is no longer able to celebrate, and his Spanish also seems Spanish because he slurs it. Too many “cervezas” prevent a sober match analysis.