Attention American fans going to Germany

[gyr0]

To my fellow american fans,


I am a reporter and American soccer fan preparing a piece on the journey to Germany this summer-- from the fan's prespective. With the approach of world cup 2006, American soccer has yet another opportunity to step foward in the eyes of the world, but while Europe's opinion could change in regard to the American players, will this translate to the fans? As a unique niche of sports fan, American soccer supporters are a breed apart from the "typical" American fan, and this summer is our chance to show it. But in a post 9/11 Europe, we will undoubtedly face unique challanges. I want to know what you are expecting? How are you preparing? And how do you plan to show your support?

Please feel free to contact me for further details, and I look foward to hearing from you soon.

[Hosscat]

I'm spending an outrageous amount of money on hotels, flights, etc. w/ no guarantee of even getting tickets to the US games so far (thanks USSF).

Part of me is worried about receiving a hostile reception as a US fan due to the wildspread unpopularity of Bush, that war we started, etc in Europe. I think most people in Germany will be able to separate the our goverment from the American soccer fans though. Hell, Dubya probably couldn't even name one player on US team anyway (Freddy Adu doesn't count).

[mattjo]

I'm spending an outrageous amount of money on hotels, flights, etc. w/ no guarantee of even getting tickets to the US games so far (thanks USSF).

Part of me is worried about receiving a hostile reception as a US fan due to the wildspread unpopularity of Bush, that war we started, etc in Europe. I think most people in Germany will be able to separate the our goverment from the American soccer fans though. Hell, Dubya probably couldn't even name one player on US team anyway (Freddy Adu doesn't count).

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have lived overseas in two locations since the USG invaded Iraq, and the people in both countries still had a largely positive view of the US and even the US government. Most people separate Americans from their government and generally enjoy our enthusiasm. Sure, you might hear someone say something like Bush sucks or such. Your reaction will probably determine how you are treated. Shoot, I heard more negative reactions and comments in the US concerning the current administration than I did in South America or here in Bosnia. Personally, in Bosnia, the people largely prefer us to the UN and the Europeans. Frankly, they like the fact that Americans largely do what they say they will do (even if they don't agree with it). For that reason, at least here, Americans and the US Government are considered credible.

[Colin Grabow]

I expect everyone to root against us. No one wants to see the US win under any circumstances, particularly soccer. I don't think any hostility will extend to anything physical however. I went to the US friendly against Holland 2 years ago and wore a US soccer shirt with a US flag throw draped around me. Yeah, a few people made comments about "Booosh" and one little kid started yelling "Een-null" at me afterwards but that was about the extent of it. No big deal. I expect the situation in Germany -- if I get tickets -- to be about the same. I'll go with some friends, we'll be rabidly patriotic at the games, and if anyone has a problem with it, F em'.

[Adam Zebrowski]

I go to europe about a month each summer, don't worry about the anti-bush sentiment...

99% of europeans separate poltiics from the average american...

enjoy germany.....

[Hosscat]

I'll go with some friends, we'll be rabidly patriotic at the games, and if anyone has a problem with it, F em'.

Amen brotha....... I'll do the same- and I'm usually not even that patriotic in general (when it comes to my love for our national team, that's a different story).

On the other hand, I have no love for the USSF right about now because of the way they've fooked up the ticketing process and may be screwing over many of the team's most loyal/dedicated fans (I know, that's another discussion, but maybe something that should be mentioned in your piece).

[freisland]

There will, of course, be the odd jagoff making an ass of himself - and some of them will not even be americans.

I wouldn't worry too much about the man/gal in the street. You might get some kids around the Czech or Italy match who have come to Germany and a budweiser too many, but I doubt it will anything unavoidable.

[SiriusSoccerFan]

It's good to see that spirits will be better than average regarding our fans. I, for one, am not going because I cannot afford it right now. However, I was really dissapointed with how Panamanians treated our players during qualifying. Maybe in 2010, I can be in the midst with some of you guys, as I am new to following soccer (because of my brazilian wife). I hope I can be around during the next qualifiers or even the next gold cup. :)

[Adam Zebrowski]

well, south africa is a very different animal than germany...

the novice traveler to south africa is in for some culture shock...

germany is basically the usa wityh a dfferent language, although there's far more english there, than german here...

read twain's innocents abroad to get ready for your 1st trip outside these boaders

[Schoey]

I have tickets and I am booked.

The only thing I'm worried about is the process of getting those tickets and changing a guest. If you didn't know FIFA is requiring everyone with a ticket to give their Name, date of birth and Passport #. I have had to change one of my guests and trying to get a response from FIFA on changing the personal info is impossible.

I am not worried about security or an attitude. I even going to France between games to really push it!

[CCTX SoccerFreak]

Maybe in 2010, I can be in the midst with some of you guys, as I am new to following soccer (because of my brazilian wife).

Your kids will be cap tied to the US National team though right? :cool:

[SiriusSoccerFan]

Your kids will be cap tied to the US National team though right? :cool:
Absolutely, or I'll disown them! :mad:
just kidding. I think they'll be forced to root for both teams..but yes..captied to the U.S. team for sure! :D

[JBigjake]

I am new to following soccer (because of my brazilian wife).
You lucky bastid! (for more than one reason!)

[SiriusSoccerFan]

You lucky bastid! (for more than one reason!)
what reasons would those be? :p

[joehill]

is there a different forum where people talk about travelling to germany? (it doesn't really seem applicable to "News & Analysis".)

I'm trying to plan my trip, but looked in 6 different guide books and Gelsenkirchen and Kaiserslautern aren't listed in any of them, which seems kind of lame. so if there's another forum where we can discuss stuff like that point me in the right direction, thanks

[mattjo]

is there a different forum where people talk about travelling to germany? (it doesn't really seem applicable to "News & Analysis".)

I'm trying to plan my trip, but looked in 6 different guide books and Gelsenkirchen and Kaiserslautern aren't listed in any of them, which seems kind of lame. so if there's another forum where we can discuss stuff like that point me in the right direction, thanks


Virtualtourist.com and tripadvisor.com have forums and info on almost every city imaginable. Especially with the World Cup coming up, I would expect several helpful Germans or expats living in Germany could provide you with information you might not find in the guidebooks.

[Aalborg]

I'm not worried about receiving a hostile reception as a US fan due to the medias perception of President Bush, especially after terrorists murdered 3000 innocent Americans. I know most civil Germans separate politics from American soccer fans anyway Hell, President Bush probably knows a few players on US team anyway, since he is a soccer fan and has ivited the US Mens team to the Whitehouse and his father is too ..who liked to kick/juggle a soccer ball a lot in his time as President(Freddy Adu counts too!).[/QUOTE]


Fixed your quote

[ChrisSSBB]

I'm not worried about anti-Bush sentiment and am not worried about showing my support for the US team (i.e., wearing US apparel). I believe as long as you keep it soccer based and stay away from strong, reactive political displays and discussions, you won't have a problem.

[mattjo]

I'm not worried about anti-Bush sentiment and am not worried about showing my support for the US team (i.e., wearing US apparel). I believe as long as you keep it soccer based and stay away from strong, reactive political displays and discussions, you won't have a problem.

On that note, we never wear US flags when outside the country, but always chuckle because in Colombia and Europe we see non-Americans (not Canadians though) wearing them all the time.

[joehill]

Virtualtourist.com and tripadvisor.com have forums and info on almost every city imaginable. Especially with the World Cup coming up, I would expect several helpful Germans or expats living in Germany could provide you with information you might not find in the guidebooks.

yeah, I meant is there another forum on bigsoccer where people are specifically talking about travel plans to follow the US team. I just saw the "World Cup: Fans, Travel & More" forum, I'll try my luck there.