WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : QUIET CELEBRATION, OF NECESSITY

Carmen Martinez, a State Department official at the U.S. consulate in Barranquilla, Colombia, Carlos Valderrama’s home town, watched and celebrated the U.S. team’s victory with 11 other Americans.

“Before the game the street was full of people driving around, waving flags, honking horns,” said Martinez. “One of the employees has a 52-inch TV, so the 12 of us watched it at their place. After the game we drove to the office and it was totally quiet. No one was out. It’s kind of eerie.

“We obviously can’t go out and celebrate. But we wanted the team to know they made our year and we’re very proud of them.”