World Cup FOMO is one of the worst types of affliction.
It becomes unbearable when you keep waking up in the middle of the night to ridiculous scenes broadcast from North America while your fellow travelers are giddy with joy.
And for many Norwegian and English fans, when the next stop on the road is a quarter-final in one of the party capitals of the world, there is no point in resisting FOMO anymore.
While it’s school on the Gold Coast, it’s spring break in Miami and traveling fans have given the city a special football flavor.
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Norwegian celebrities
Norwegian fans have achieved celebrity status in football circles, thanks in large part to the Vikings scandals and energetic presence in every host city they encounter.
The man was treated like a minor celebrity, with people queuing to take pictures with him. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
They continued to enjoy love in South Beach, Miami, where fans held two rallies the night before the game.
Many other spectators jostled for a better view of the action, including some sitting from balconies above, in a sea of red, horns and selfie sticks.
Any Norwegian fan in decent attire (Viking horns and flag) was inundated with others wanting to take photos as if they were a character dressed in Times Square.
Some Norwegians came to the US for a long stay, but many others made the trip at the last minute, wanting to experience it for themselves.
These fans made a late decision to come to the United States for this game. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
“It’s so special and so nice that all the Norwegians are together. It’s great to see everyone here,” said Norway fan Allr, who arrived only last night.
Her friend Mia said: “It’s really strange because I’ve never experienced anything like this, where people come out on the streets and ask us to interview us and take pictures with us and stuff like that.
“But it’s really fun and really cool, and it almost makes me feel like a celebrity.”
These fans say the high cost of coming to the World Cup was worth it. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Another fan shared stories of wearing shoes with Aussies in Dallas and said he had to sell his apartment to afford the trip.
He insisted it was worth it for now, although he should check in after tomorrow’s game to wait for the results.
And don’t mistake Norwegians for one-trick ponies.
They have an extensive repertoire, and as a hot, muggy Miami day turned into a quiet, sweltering evening, they remained in the many restaurants and bars along the closed Ocean Drive, entertaining each other—and interested passersby—with their best talents.
Great place in Miami Beach to watch the World Cup. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
English oasis
The English have their loyal group of supporters who came here for the trip, and latecomers like Harry from Derbyshire.
English fans come to hot Miami to watch Spain play Belgium. (Getty Images: Nick Potts)
Many then began to do this in nightclubs and bars. (Getty Images: James Manning)
Harry, like many of his compatriots, struggled with the scorching heat.
“I’m a little hot, I’m not going to lie. My red hair is suffering a bit. But we found a factor 70 sunscreen, so we’re good,” he said.
There were English pool parties and many Wonderwall performances at various nightclubs around the city.
While both groups of fans made the most of the pre-game preparations, none of it compares to how they will feel tomorrow if their team makes it to the semi-finals.
And a couple more planes with late arrivals might well fly in and join the party.
Miami Beach’s beautiful Art Deco buildings have been taken over by soccer fans. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)