World Cup fever continues to grip downtown San Jose

SAN JOSE – FIFA World Cup fever continued to grip the South Bay on Wednesday evening, with scores of soccer fans once again flocking to San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose for the latest in a string of highly attended watch parties.

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The matchup between Czechia and Mexico was slated to start at 6 p.m.

Fans paraded past Five Points, a bar near the square, waving flags with Mexico’s colors. Some carried large bass drums. And nearly everyone was clad in a Mexico jersey.

Alma Gutierrez, 28, Jennifer Granados, 25, and Wendy Palma, 21, all of San Jose, were at the bar with several friends. The women, who also wore Mexico jerseys, were planning to attend the watch party.

Palma, a lifelong San Jose resident, said it was her first time experiencing a World Cup in her hometown.

“Honestly, it’s a good experience,” Palma said. “Bringing Mexicans, Colombians, Brazilians out here, I feel like it’s cool.”

“I’m actually pretty excited and it’s actually an honor to be able to be part of it,” added Gutierrez, who grew up watching Mexico play.

While the mood was celebratory and festive, the three women took a moment to weigh in on President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to deport undocumented migrants.

“I feel like what he’s doing is not right,” Granados said. “He comes from an immigrant family. Why is he deporting people who have worked hard and pay taxes all their life?”

As fans waited for the game to start, some formed a circle to kick around a soccer ball.

Dayanara Toledo, 20, of San Jose, held up a sign that read “baddies love la seleccion.” National teams in Spanish-speaking countries are often referred to as “la seleccion,” or “the selection.”

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“It feels so great,” said Toledo, who is attending UC Riverside. “When the World Cup was starting, I came out here to support everybody with all my friends, so I’m just so happy.”

Toledo wanted to see Mexico win and qualify for the next round. Referring to her sign, she said, “Me and my friends, we love Mexico, we love la seleccion and we’re ready to watch the game.”

Humberto Vargas, 44, of San Jose, came to the event wearing a wide-brimmed black sombrero. Purchased in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, the traditional hat was decorated with a red and green beaded flower. Vargas said he was there to “feel a little bit of the World Cup.” He also appreciated how everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves.”

“No fighting, no nothing,” Vargas said about the event. “Just pretty much a party.”

The District, a bar in San Pedro Square, erupted in wild cheers when Mexico scored the first goal of the match. Billy Guerra, 38, of Contra Costa County, and his wife were among the patrons.

“It feels great,” Guerra said. “These are my people, and here in San Jose, it’s been a great experience.”

A similar watch party took place June 18 at San Pedro Square. San Jose police said that event, which drew an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 people, was successful, with a minimum of issues.

“While officers responded to a handful of minor disturbances throughout the evening, there were no major incidents of note,” a police spokesperson said about the June 18 watch party. “Overall, the event was a success, and attendees were able to celebrate safely while enjoying the festivities.”

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