Localizing the 2018 FIFA World Cup: Port City FC, Gulf Coast United Reps sound off

For the first time since 1986, the U.S. Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Even without an American presence, this year’s group stage has provided some incredible drama with only two spots in the round of 16 left up for grabs.

If that’s still not enough, here’s the summer of soccer fever as told by some international players and coaches from Port City FC and Gulf Coast United.

“Oh, it’s 100 percent. It’s always been 100 percent. Denmark plays, we root for Denmark.”

“They always say, oh, he’s from Brazil, he has to play soccer because Brazil is the country of soccer, you know?”

“I always love watching every game I can. But obviously, when England comes on I watch every game.”

“I grew up since I was five years old glued to TV’s and especially during every World Cup, watching every game, every World Cup. That’s a religion in every country.”

Port City FC Head Coach Henrik Madsen said, “It’s amazing in the group chats that they have going, the amount of trash talk that can go on and then we come to practice and everybody takes some jabs at everybody. It’s been really good, it’s been fun.”

Port City FC midfielder Joao Victor said, “It is pretty fun, like Henrik told before. But it’s kind of crazy because they always try to mask me since I’m from Brazil, you know? So, but they need to respect because Brazil is five-time World Champions. So they know what they’re talking about, you know?”

Port City FC midfielder Kieran Robins said, “I have so much backup. There’s quite a few English people on the team, so we kind of stick together when we’re talking about football. So we have support from each other against each other. So we always give Henrik a bit of shtick for Denmark, he has no backup.”

“It’s just a shame Denmark has to play Croatia, I would rather play Brazil, England. I think we would have had a better chance.”

“So we just gang up on him. Joao, he has no backup. He’s Brazilian, he’s the only Brazilian.”

“And I’m so sorry for Denmark, England. Especially in the quarterfinals because I’m going to beat them.”

“And obviously, the Americans don’t say much because they’re not in it. So just English is like out-casting everyone else.”

“There will be definitely a surprise World Cup champion this year, and I do think that for the first time we’ll have a World Champion that has never been a World Champion before. Meaning Brazil and England may not get there this year.”

“We’ve only won one World Cup, but we’ll win No. 2 this year. I’m confident of that.”

The World Cup group stage wraps up tomorrow on Fox and Fox Sports I. As for Port City FC, the Sounders look to continue their first place run on Saturday at 6 p.m. from Herbert Wilson Stadium.