Jordan Coach Proud of Players Despite Early World Cup Exit

Lawrence, Kansas, a city of about 96,000 people, has transformed into a vibrant hub of Algerian pride during the World Cup. Fans gathered for a watch party, turning downtown into a sea of green, white, and red as the team secured its first group match victory.

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Sales have been great. It has been honestly just magical, kind of bringing the team and Lawrence together and making them feel at home.

The city has served as Algeria's base camp, attracting significant attention even as global powerhouses set up elsewhere. Locals have gone viral for their enthusiastic welcome, a reception that coach Vladimir Petkovic noted has given his players a lift. Despite an opening loss to Argentina, Lawrence has doubled down on its support, with many fans planning to attend the decisive match against Austria.

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We print them here locally in town. I think all in all, we sold around 400, 450 shirts. My printer is having panic attacks every time I text him.

The city's embrace extends beyond the matches, with streets and storefronts decorated in Algerian colors. Local commerce has also benefited, with restaurants expanding halal offerings and Algerian-themed merchandise flying off the shelves. One vendor reported selling around 400-450 shirts, with demand far exceeding expectations.

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I am so excited to see our team here... I am so happy with what they did in Lawrence for our team. Every two years or three years we go to visit our country, but this time they come here to us, visit us here in Kansas.

For many, the connection is personal. Djamila Iadadeni, an Algerian living in the US for 18 years, expressed excitement about seeing the team play in Kansas. "This time they come here to us, visit us here in Kansas," she said. Artists and community leaders have also contributed, with earthwork artist Stan Herd creating a large Algerian flag display as part of an effort to bring cultures together.

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We want the world to know that most of the people in this country right now totally embrace everything about them. We want to know about their culture.