Germany midfielder Thomas Muller’s goal in the 55th minute proved to be the difference.
Throughout the match, the scene inside The Pub featured extreme ebbs and flows of emotion. With every questionable call by the referees or close scoring chances for the U.S., the mass audience roared accordingly.
Horowitz led The Pub patrons — who sat, stood, crouched and wedged themselves into any crevice they could for a clear view of the match — in chants of “U-S-A” and “I believe that we will win” throughout the match.
Horowitz said the global reach of the World Cup and the sport of soccer can unite strangers for a common cause.
“I was here last week and I was cheering, drinking and having a good time with people I didn’t even know,” Horowitz said. “I really think (soccer) is a really good sport just to bring people together.”
Another U.S. soccer fan, Greg Starr of Kettering, took half a day off work to soak in the atmosphere, as well as a few beers.
“Extreme soccer fans — that’s why we came up here for this match,” said Starr, who said he coached his son, who played soccer in Kettering for 14 years. “It’s exciting to be around everybody that’s got the same passion for the game. Everybody understands what’s going on. It’s a little bit different than just sitting there at home and watching it by yourself.”
Despite the loss, the U.S. advanced to the Round of 16 after Portugal downed Ghana 2-1 on late goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. Germany won Group G with the victory over the U.S.
Starr said he likes the Americans’ chances because the team is less of a long shot than in years past.
“Nobody gave us a chance in the World Cup going into this year, and (the U.S.) has proved that the playing field has gotten a lot more level,” Starr said. “There’s a lot of teams that nobody gave a chance to that have a chance. It gives everybody a lot more hope for the United States this year.”
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