We all have memories of watching the World Cup, ditching school to catch the start of a match, or sprinting to a bar during lunch break at work. One way or another, we were not going to miss a game-changing play.
Most of us have only experienced the World Cup through our TV or computer screens. But for Long Beach State women’s soccer coach Mauricio Ingrassia, that has just never been good enough.
Ingrassia, who was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, has been to the last five World Cups, hoping to celebrate a World Cup victory in person.
Though he moved to the United States as a young child, his allegiance toward the Argentina national team never wavered.
“Growing up, soccer was very huge [in Argentina],” Ingrassio said. “It filled a part of me when I was very young.”
For this year’s World Cup in Brazil, Ingrassia managed to catch three matches – all from the knockout stage of the tournament.
Having attended multiple World Cups allows Ingrassia to have a rare point of view toward the experience. He heaped nothing but praise on the host country.
“It was unbelievable,” Ingrassia said. “It’s a major fútbol country. It was a fantastic experience. It’s always fun to go and experience new culture.”
Ingrassia says that he also roots for the United States national team, but as a young man growing up it was “nonexistent,” though he admits there has been significant progress under the leadership of Jürgen Klinsmann.
“There’s a very good perception of the United States,” Ingrassia said. “I know it’s kind of divided here, but over there they have a lot of respect for the U.S.”
Ingrassia says he follows soccer in general. Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester City are some of the more high profile teams he keeps an eye on. He even mentions an amazing trip he took to Portland to watch the Timbers.
But the club he pledges his allegiance to isn’t a powerhouse by any means. It’s little-known Rosario Central, the club from his hometown. It’s a bond he can’t break, and one he doesn’t want to.