Fans stand and give the 'civilian salute' for the Mexican national anthem at Waterfront Park on Thursday(Satchel Walton / LPM)Waterfront Park was a sea of green and black shirts Thursday afternoon, as hundreds of fans came to support Mexico in its World Cup opener.That didn’t stop Konrad Jürgen s from cheering on his native South Africa. He has never forgotten the vibes from living in South Africa when they were hosting the 2010 World Cup, and is excited to live in a host country again.His plans?“Enjoy today, enjoy every day, every game available, and support my country as much as I can, and from there on who knows? But just enjoy the show. It’s a show,” Jürgens said.It’s the first time the world’s most viewed tournament has been in North America since the U.S. hosted in 1994.Ana María wore her Mexico green to the Waterfront on Thursday. She said it means a lot for Mexico to host its first World Cup matches since 1986.“We’re happy because here in Louisville, Kentucky, we get the chance to share this wonderful feeling for Mexico with everyone,” Ana María said.The closest matches will be in Atlanta, but that hasn’t stopped fans from getting excited. While most folks at the waterfront were wearing Mexico’s colors, the crowd was also dotted with jerseys of the U.S., Brazil, Germany, England, Argentina, and Colombia.“Being a Hispanic you’re born with it, it’s your number one sport typically. As soon as you’re born, you get to watch soccer games with family and friends,” said Nio Guardado, whose family is from El Salvador.Louisville put itself forward to host a team during its World Cup run, offering the training facilities used by its two professional soccer teams. City officials withdrew the proposal earlier this year. Columbus and Nashville are hosting teams.“The World Cup is very exciting. I like watching Mexico play, and especially seeing all the countries come together – so much diversity,” Julio Garcia said. “It’s even more special since it happens only every four years.”The U.S. will face Paraguay Friday at 9 p.m. There will be a free watch party at 4th Street Live! for that match, and four others later this month, including the U.S. and Mexico’s final group stage games. ...read more read less