'Always had faith the Americans would come on board': World Cup fever brings big crowds to Milwaukee watch parties

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It was what you'd typically at taverns across Wisconsin on Sundays every fall.

But instead of people packing gathering spaces to watch the Green Bay Packers, scores of families, friends and couples wore their best red, white and blue attire to cheer on the U.S. men's national soccer team during Friday's match against Australia.

The lot was packed at Zocalo Food Park at S. 6th St. and W. Pierce St., just as it was a few hours earlier on Thursday night for Mexico's match.

The perfect weather helped attract a big crowd, which included Geoffrey Dimin and his two daughters.

"These opportunities are few and far between," Dimin said. "Between work and their school, it's not often I'm able to have a daddy-daughter date day, so this is really rewarding."

Dimin's daughter, Kyla, embraced the ability to watch the USA match with hundreds of others.

"It's fun to watch it, and it's good to have quality time with my family," she said. "And it's just fun to get outside, watch it and go new places because I've never been here."

Tassos Panas was torn about Friday's match. Originally from Australia, the Whitefish Bay resident said he was supporting both his native country to Australia and his adopted homeland.

"I'm split down the middle, half-half," he said. "We're 50-50, I can't lose today."

Panas was with his daughter, Chloe, who proudly wore an Australia soccer jersey.

He added their arrival was purely by happenstance. The two went to nearby Hen's Deli for sandwiches and came upon the watch party.

Panas added he was thrilled to see the U.S. embrace soccer as it hosts the World Cup for the first time since 1994.

"I came to America 30 years ago as a big soccer fan," he said. "I've seen the evolution from the beginning, where they weren't into it that much, whereas now, the Americans embrace soccer."

The crowd especially has reason to cheer for the second U.S. goal. It was scored by Alex Freeman, the son of Packers great Antonio Freeman.

When the referee announced the goal would stand after a video review, the watch party erupted again.

"Absolutely. I mean, a lot of Packers fans around here," Jay Schoenwaelder said. "All the more reason to cheer on Freeman here today."

Milwaukee's growing embrace of soccer has been apparent thus far during the World Cup tournament.

There have been large gatherings for watch parties at Moran's Pub in South Milwaukee, The Nomad World Pub on Brady Street, The Highbury in Bay View, as well as at Zocalo.

"It's cool because you walk around, and you're not expecting anyone to know or see any jerseys," Jesse Hernandez of Waukesha said. "And now, you walk around any day, and you'll see jerseys from all over."