A student from America has told of the “lifetime” of abuse he has received as US get set to face mighty England at the World Cup tomorrow (November 24).
But fearless Ryan O’Hara, who studies sports journalism at the University of Sunderland, said he is not afraid to dish it back out.
“Let's say it’s been interesting. But I can give it out as well as take it, so I think it is going to be a lot of fun,” said the 19-year-old, who despite his confidence still remains a little sceptical as to how he will be received in Sunderland’s pubs this weekend.
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“Part of me would like to go out and watch it rather than stay in my university accommodation with my British flatmates, but I’m not sure how England fans might feel about me being there,” he said.
Ryan, who said he had been on the receiving end of enough banter to last him a lifetime over the past few days, moved to Sunderland from Pennsylvania in September to begin his communications studies, and is finding life in the North East a breeze - almost.
“It’s just that some people’s accents are so thick, I literally can’t understand them. I’m sure I will get used to it but it’s been a bit of a challenge at the minute,” he said.
England face the USA at 7pm on Friday - having smashed Iran 6-2 in their first group stage match on Monday (November 21).
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