Santa Clara, CA – Followers turned out in pressure at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium for Tuesday night time’s face off between the nationwide groups of Brazil and Colombia within the COPA America event.  Fan enthusiasm – particularly on behalf of Colombia – has been extremely excessive right here by means of the afternoon.
Juan Cardona is from Colombia however got here from his hometown in Florida to attend the sport. “I really feel like dwelling proper now. I’m from Colombia, that is my household, in order that’s it,” Cardona stated, to cheers of “Colombia, Colombia” from fellow followers. With regards to soccer – or soccer as it’s known as in every single place else all over the world – followers say it’s laborious to clarify the sense of nationwide pleasure. “When it’s worldwide you go in your nation, you struggle in your nation,” Cardona stated.Â
Grace Nanez got here to the match from Walnut Creek. Â “I’m Colombian, and we’re going to win!,” Nanez stated.Â
Brazil is among the world’s powerhouses in soccer and attracts followers like Marwan Omar and is son who’re from Stockton. “I have to help Vinicius, Actual Madrid, all them gamers. So we acquired to go Brazil, you recognize,” Omar stated.  One other fan, Catalina Romero from Redwood Metropolis, stated: “I’ve at all times gone for Brazil, it doesn’t matter what,” Romero stated.Â
Santa Clara police are readily available to look at over all of it. Roadway closures and visitors controls began early on Friday and fan conduct each earlier than and particularly after the match will probably be carefully monitored. “We’re in search of the followers to take pleasure in themselves however we additionally need them to be respectful, drink responsibly, keep hydrated clearly, and when individuals are out right here they usually see one thing brewing – or of a felony nature — we would like them to have the ability to attain out,” stated Lt. Mike Crescini with the Santa Clara Police Division.
 One of many challenges for followers driving to sport on Tuesday was  that vast inexperienced lot – which is often open for 49ers video games – is just not open right this moment as a result of Nice America was additionally open and the lot was not out there for Levi’s Stadium parking.Â