Karla Crespo, 21, works as a bartender for Sports Grill Kendall and has been there since 2021 when she started as a host. She isn’t a stranger to being a part of watch parties for big sporting events.
“Everyone here is very family-oriented,” said Crespo. “You’re grabbing a beer, you’re watching the game and it’s a good time.”
Located at 9090 SW 97th Ave., Sports Grill Kendall hosted a watch party for the United States vs. Paraguay FIFA World Cup opening match this past Friday night, which was played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The event was met with a packed house. There were many U.S. fans and fewer Paraguay fans.
“It’s awesome, which is how it should be,” said Crespo. “I feel like differences, like where you’re from, shouldn’t really matter.”
The U.S. beat Paraguay 4-1, which came as a surprise for many. Paraguay is known as a defensively solid side and ended the qualifying campaign on a nine-game unbeaten run, including wins over defending champions Argentina and five-time champion Brazil.
With three first half goals, the U.S. routed La Albirroja on home soil in front of 70,492 fans. Paraguay midfielder Maurício scored a consolation goal in the 73rd minute but their efforts weren’t enough. Midfielder Gio Reyna scored a wondergoal in the 90+8’ minute to solidify three points for the United States.
The U.S. joined co-hosts Mexico and Canada on starting their World Cup journey with at least a point.
Qatar is the only host nation in the tournament’s history to have lost the opening match, falling 2-0 to Ecuador in 2022.
Peter Flores was one of the United States fans in attendance. He says he watches soccer every four years. When the World Cup is on, he’s glued to his television for the whole month.
“I have a great memory where for the whole month, all my office friends streamed every World Cup match,” said Flores. “It felt like a party, we didn’t get any work done that whole month.”
Flores has high expectations for this World Cup, especially after seeing how the United States performed in the first game.
“I think we’re going to go all the way, it’s home field and this is our country,” said Flores. “We have our fans, we have everybody here.”
The United States is set to take on Australia in Seattle as their second group-stage match this Friday afternoon. A win would get coach Mauricio Pochettino’s men one step closer into the round of 32.
