\n
PHILADELPHIA (AP) \u2014 Fireworks blared and jets roared ahead of the World Cup match between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday as fans celebrated the dual joy of soccer’s biggest tournament in their homeland and the 250th anniversary of American independence in its birthplace.<\/p>\n
In a pregame show celebrating the city’s history, Tony Award winner Idina Menzel sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” on a star-shaped stage. Philadelphia hip-hop band The Roots also performed, backed by dancers including a Statue of Liberty in a monumental gown, and set off red, white and blue fireworks. The Philadelphia Boys’ Choir and choir then sang “America the Beautiful” a cappella.<\/p>\n
Fans wearing stripes inspired by the U.S. national team’s wavy flag shouted “USA!” Next to them were supporters from France and Paraguay. They were all wearing the red, white and blue colors of the national flags of all three countries. Their chorus in the sweltering afternoon heat was drowned out only by the roar of VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons flying overhead from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. On the field, a banner was unfurled displaying the words of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.<\/p>\n
America’s 250th anniversary was also celebrated in Houston, with Morocco defeating Canada in the World Cup round of 16 on Saturday. About 45 minutes before the game, a message from an astronaut on the International Space Station was shown on the videoboard wishing fans a happy Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
A circular banner with the number 250 and the American flag printed on it was then unfurled at midfield as “America the Beautiful” played. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was then played, and then the banners were removed so that Canadian and Moroccan flags could be placed on the field for the national anthem.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Sports Writer Christy Rieken in Houston contributed to this report.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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