"The World Cup changed my dating life. Sports have the power to connect people," said Maria-Alejandra Paz, 29, of Los Angeles.

On 13/6, Paz attended the FIFA Fan Festival at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch the match between the US and Paraguay on a big screen, enjoy entertainment, food, and interact with fellow fans. While waiting in line for a portable restroom, Paz noticed two girls cutting ahead. When she spoke up, a 27-year-old man standing nearby agreed with her.

Maria-Alejandra Paz attended the match between the US and Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup. *Photo: New York Post*

After a few exchanges, they watched the match together. The man, a Los Angeles resident, supported the US team, while Paz cheered for Paraguay. "It wasn't love at first sight, but our conversation flowed naturally and we clicked," Paz recounted.

When Paraguay scored, Paz jumped up and cheered loudly, while the man watched. "I spilled beer on him. When I apologized, he smiled and said it was okay," she shared.

After the match, they exchanged phone numbers and arranged to meet the next day. Their first date involved a few drinks and a game of billiards. They talked for hours.

Photos capturing the girl's first kiss while watching the World Cup. *Photo: New York Post*

They discovered shared interests in travel, sports, and similar life values. To end the evening, they stepped into a photo booth at the man's suggestion. "Those photos captured our first kiss," Paz stated.

She believes the special atmosphere of the World Cup contributed to their fated encounter. Paz shared that for years, she had not met anyone who made her feel the same way. "The collective excitement and community spirit at the World Cup made it easier for people to connect," she said.

By Nhat Minh (According to New York Post)