New York
Surrounded by dozens of dazzling screens and crowds of tourists, World Cup fans have turned New York’s Times Square into a daily meeting spot for supporters from around the globe.
“I’m impressed. It’s amazing to see so many people gathered,” said Christoph Altmeks, a German, as he stood in the middle of a sea of his country’s fans wearing white shirts.
The 53-year-old had complained that, given New York’s huge population, “when you walk around through the city, there are not a lot of football fans.”
So when he heard on social media that Germans were congregating in Times Square, Altmeks readily pulled on a jersey of his hero Rudi Voller — plus a wig mimicking the famed striker’s blond curls.
Off to the side, two Ecuadorans watched the German jubilation with some unease.
“I thought there would be more Ecuadorans here … but I’m waiting for them!” said Juan Alvarez, 30, who is finishing his studies in New York.
Two Brazil supporters sipped sodas a little further away.
“We saw on social media that the Brazilians took over Times Square … And then we showed up and there were only Germans!” said 32-year-old Fabricio Miatto.
He said, however, he was impressed by a giant “Viking row” performed by Norwegian fans in the Manhattan intersection, where thousands simultaneously chanted “Row!” while pulling imaginary oars.
