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World Cup watchers gathered in full force in downtown Minneapolis Thursday to watch the U.S. team advance to the next round of play, even as it lost to Germany 1-0. 


 
Hundreds of people followed the action from the "Great Lawn" outside the Target Field light rail station. Fans — some decked out in red, white and blue clothing — stretched out to soak up the sun while gazing at the game on a giant HDTV screen. 


 
"I just love cheering on my country," said Tom Koubsky, who brought an American flag to wave and drape around his shoulders. Koubsky says he just started getting into soccer during the World Cup.

 
 
But others watching the game, like Senegal native Ponge Diouf, have played and watched soccer all their lives. Diouf says the U.S. team is attracting new fans because it has a shot to go deep into the tournament.


 
"When they make it to the round of 16 it's anybody's game," he said. "It's a win or go home and there the chances are basically 50-50."


 
One man at Target Field Station refused to be interviewed because he said he was playing hooky from work.


 
Brit's Pub on Nicollet Mall was also packed with fans in the main bar and on the rooftop lawn.


 
Thanks to a Portugal victory over Ghana, the U.S. will live to play again next week despite today's loss.

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Brandt Williams

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World Cup watchers gathered in full force in downtown Minneapolis Thursday to watch the U.S. team advance to the next round of play, even as it lost to Germany 1-0.

Minnesota fans turn out for workday World Cup game

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