Among the Spain fans who have followed their team throughout this World Cup, he’s known as “David Canaria.”
That’s because he lives in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa.
We met at SoFi (aka Los Angeles) Stadium ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal. His companions hail from Madrid, Zaragoza, Seville and Murcia.
Friday’s quarterfinal could have — perhaps should have — been Spain vs. the USA. But Belgium thumped the host, 4-1, in Seattle last Monday.
So Friday’s game in Inglewood could not be a repeat of the USA’s first and third Group D games here, played in front of enormous crowds of its own supporters.
David Canaria arrived at the stadium with the gang that marched to its gates, led by a trumpeter. Their songs included the “Yo soy español, español, español … ¡Olé, lo, lo, lo, lo, lo, lo, lo!” and the chanting of Aida’s “Triumphal March.”
David Canaria says it’s been a relatively small group that’s followed the defending European champions through the tournament — starting with two group-stage games in Atlanta and a third in Guadalajara, followed by a round-of-32 game on its first Inglewood visit and a round-of-16 clash in Dallas Stadium.
“About one-fifth,” said David Canaria when I asked him to estimate how many of the Spain fans at this World Cup live in Spain. “Or maybe a 10th?”
Yet Friday’s quarterfinal feels like a Spain home game, if not for some giveaways, like hot dogs instead of bocadillos.
A father and son booked their four-hour flight from Mexico City ahead of the World Cup banking on Spain’s quarterfinal appearance. The father was born in Madrid.
There were La Roja fans with Spanish heritage from California and other states. I met fans of Basque heritage from New York, Anaheim and San Diego. Some wore Atletico Bilbao jerseys and some wore Spain shirts.
SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING
Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.
- Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
- Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
- Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
- Cancel anytime.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
