[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]

Originally Posted by 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).

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]

Originally Posted by Colin Grabow

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!