(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

It's tradition for Amber and Brad Moore to watch the World Cup together. They actually met doing exactly that 12 years ago.

(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

Russ and Beth Hickman watch as Brazil gets ready to defeat Croatia during the World Cup's first game.

(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

Riis Valcho and Lorenzo Zazueta watch the first game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

Vince Sanchez is supporting Croatia in honor of his uncle, who hailed from there.

When the World Cup kicked off Thursday in Brazil, tens of millions of people were watching all around the world. And you could meet a few of them in Tempe.

The TVs were on, but the mood was pretty sedate around kickoff at Four Peaks Brewing Company. Some people were rooting for Brazil, others were cheering for Croatia, but most were just having lunch. So Brad Moore stuck out, sporting the red-and-white-striped soccer jersey the United States team wore last year. Moore is Canadian, but he's supporting Brazil today -- and ultimately, America.

"I like to think that the World Cup is a time when everybody, no matter where you're from, can ultimately get behind it," Moore said. "It's almost more special than the Olympics, because it's so focused, and every single country in the world has a soccer team that people really feel passionate about."

Moore insisted that though it was quiet right then, Four Peaks will be packed hours before the next U.S. or Mexico game. This is the third straight Cup he’s spent here with his wife, Amber. She said she's watched soccer's popularity soar in the last decade or so.

As a third-grade teacher, "I watch the kids really get into soccer, a lot more than most sports, actually," she said. "So, it's kind of fun."

Amber says she's not actually a huge soccer fan, but this tournament does hold a special place in her heart. She and Brad met while watching the World Cup 12 years ago.