US soccer fans watching the 2006 World Cup
© AFP/File Nicholas KammMIAMI, United States (AFP) - Before cheering on their beloved basketball heroes at night they can catch the United States playing football during the day.
"I have definitely paid more attention this year than any other year," said Russell Johnson who made the trip to Miami from Vicksburg, Mississippi to catch game five of the NBA finals. "Soccer is getting more and more popular in the United States thanks to things like FIFA's video games."
Many of the beach-front bars in Miami are hosting special World Cup parties and showing games live on big screen TVs. Waiters are decked out in jerseys of their favourite teams and souvenir shops in areas like 'Little Haiti' and 'Little Cuba' are selling football merchandise.
Popular South Beach bars like the Clevelander, are wooing football fans with 'Happy Hour' (half-price drinks) and a breakfast special because many of the game are broadcast live early in the morning in the United States.
Dirk Nowitzki
© AFP/Getty Images Stephen DunnGermany's Dirk Nowitzki would like nothing more than to win an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks and then head to Europe to celebrate a German victory in the World Cup.
"You know, they have a young team, and they have got a new coach that's trying to do some stuff," Nowitzki said of the German team. "I'm just sad that I can't be there to support the team and I can't really watch too much because I'm really focused on the finals.
"Hopefully we'll get to the final and that's July 9 and I'll be there."
Basketball fan Austin Golding, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, said the Americans were in tough early because of their draw.
"We would have done a lot better if we hadn't had such a hard bracket. We did well against Italy hopefully we will pull it out," Golding said.
Miami police officer Barry DeRose boldly predicted the Americans would bounce back from their slow start and win the tournament.
"I watched some of the game against Italy and we gave it a good run," the 61-year-old DeRose said. "The American team is very energetic and even though they are the underdogs, they have the spirit and the heart to win it.
US soccer fans at the 2006 World Cup
© AFP/FileMany of the football fans at Sunday's NBA game were upset with the officiating in Saturday's game against Italy.
"There were a lot of bad calls against Italy," said 19-year-old Bobby Rolland, who is a baker in Daytona Beach, Florida. "The official only made three good calls the whole game. The first was the whistle to start the game, the second was the offside call that disallowed the goal and the third was the whistle to end the game."
Edward Kaczmarski, of Ocean City, New Jersey, is cheering for the United States, but thinks Brazil will win the title.
"The World Cup has been great so far. I really like Brazil. They are fun to watch and have a lot of talent," said the 17-year-old Kaczmarski.
"The US has some good players but they can't seem to put it together. They are not playing well because they look nervous.
Others like Joe Adkins, of Tallahassee, Florida, aren't paying much attention
"I haven't watched much of it. There are just too many other things going on. I played soccer as a kid but I never followed it," Adkins said.
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