The knockout stage of the ongoing World Cup has impressed visiting fans on and off the pitch, as tourists continue to go viral with awe-struck impressions of American culture.
Here are a few of the latest testimonials from international soccer fans who are learning to love the red, white and blue.
Haaland gets ‘goosebumps’
Norway striker Erling Haaland is an early contender for the World Cup’s Golden Boot with four goals through his first three matches. But the Manchester City star has still found time to share his own experiences with American culture.
The 25-year-old attended Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals earlier this month and was wowed by the rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the game.
“They have so much, like, pride for the country. They love the country so much. It’s everything about it,” Haaland said of U.S. fans on his YouTube channel. “The national anthem was incredible. Amazing. I had goosebumps all over.”
Haaland’s World Cup journey takes him to Texas for a matchup with the Ivory Coast on Tuesday afternoon.
Sweden vs. mechanical bull
Visitors from Sweden have already learned about the unique experiences offered in Texas. Maja Lindelof, the wife of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof, found her first mechanical bull while in the Lone Star State for a group stage match against Japan.
She posted the experience on Instagram from initial confusion — Mrs. Lindelof is seen asking someone off camera, “Where do I hold on?” — to a momentary triumph.
The Texas hospitality seemed appreciated, as she posted the smiley video the next morning.
“Still a bit drunk,” she wrote.
Mrs. Lindelof, like many international tourists in Texas, has posted an array of photos in cowboy boots and wide-brimmed hats during recent excursions.
Norwegians at the range
One group of Norwegian fans shared their slack-jawed response to an American shooting range on Instagram. After earlier videos reacting to dollar stores, Taco Bell and Bass Pro Shops, the group felt like red-blooded patriots at the indoor range.
The viral video showed them eagerly picking out their rented firearms — a Desert Eagle handgun was particularly requested — and buzzing with excitement. They flashed constant smiles between shots, despite a lack of shooting experience.
“They all had so much fun,” the Norwegian group’s American host wrote on Instagram. “Shooting range=Norwegian approved.”
Ranch life suits Polish, French visitors
One Texas man made headlines after hosting two couples from France and Poland at his 30-acre ranch for what he described as a “redneck crash course.”
The excited tourists received American hospitality, along with a curated list of activities that included line-dancing, off-roading and horseback riding.
“I was a bit skeptical at first, but then I just feel like, yes, I can do this all day,” Martina Bijinska, one of the visitors, told CBS.
“We love this lifestyle, we enjoy every second of it, we just want to soak it in,” David Mazur, Bijinska’s husband, noted.
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