This World Cup has been characterized by the stands becoming a parade of familiar faces. Actors, musicians, athletes, and other personalities were in the spotlight, even if only for a few seconds, whenever the cameras focused on the crowd. Perhaps some viewers didn't remember their names when they appeared on screen, but their faces were familiar to all. Another American touch. A practice typical of NBA shows.
Javier Bardem didn't miss any of the Spanish national team's matches. And, of course, he wouldn't miss a semifinal like the one against France. This time he wasn't accompanied by Penélope Cruz, but by his eldest son, Leo. From the same world but a different team, French actor Timothée Chalamet attended proudly displaying the rooster on his bleu jersey.
Those who exuded an aura from the stands, as Lamine would say, while the national anthem played were Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Xavi Hernández. They are the only Spaniards, along with the other 19 internationals, who know what it's like to play a match like the one the current national team players experienced. Although they weren't the only 2010 World Cup champions to visit Dallas: Fernando Llorente, Jesús Navas, Carlos Marchena, Raúl Albiol, Javi Martínez, and Pepe Reina also attended the AT&T Stadium.
Of course, in a match of this caliber, international stars couldn't be missing. David and Victoria Beckham took their seats in the stands. Someone less recognizable to the Spanish audience was Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. A true legend and record holder in the NFL. And when it comes to records, none like Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, sitting there next to Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 meters.
And yes, this American touch offers a lot. Entertainment and comments trying to guess who is who in the middle of the match. A moment to relax amidst the tension of such a match, such teams, a World Cup semifinal, no less.
The stands brought together some of the most recognizable faces on the planet. But in the end, the face that ended up stealing all the spotlight was that of a Spain that won again and ended up achieving, amidst stars (both in the stands and on the field), a World Cup final.