US fans celebrate victory over Australia at World Cup venue in Massachusetts

TLE Desk: American football fans gathered at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Friday to watch the United States secure a 2-0 victory over Australia at the World Cup, despite the day’s match at the venue featuring Scotland and Morocco.

Television screens throughout the stadium showed the Group D clash taking place in Seattle, allowing supporters to follow the American team’s progress before kick-off between Scotland and Morocco.

Although vastly outnumbered by Scotland’s Tartan Army and thousands of Moroccan supporters dressed in red, American fans said they felt part of the World Cup atmosphere at the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.

“I don’t feel outnumbered at all,” said Boston resident Kaley Vescuso. “It’s like a family reunion. Our cousins are here.”

Cheers broke out around the stadium when the United States doubled their lead through Alex Freeman, helping Mauricio Pochettino’s side secure a place in the knockout stage.

“The atmosphere is amazing, and being around all these fans from all around the world is amazing,” said Calder Reynolds, a 20-year-old supporter from nearby Wellesley.

Many American fans remained focused on the television coverage as the United States continued their impressive start to the tournament, which is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Reynolds said interest in the competition appeared to be growing rapidly across the country.

“The way that it’s sweeping the nation has been awesome,” he said.

Paul Schwerdt, a supporter from Needham, Massachusetts, said he had timed his arrival at the stadium to ensure he could watch the United States match before attending the Scotland-Morocco fixture.

“We perfectly timed it to get in here to watch the game,” he said. “It’s a fun time and a fun season.”

The United States booked their place in the knockout rounds with the victory over Australia, continuing an encouraging campaign on home soil at the expanded 48-team World Cup.