Photo by Staff Photographer Scott Varley.

The atmosphere at Alpine Village near Torrance today for the Germany-Spain semifinal was intense even if the result didn’t turn out right for most of those on hand.

Great moment: Sigi Schmid’s dad, Fritz (who lives across the street from Alpine Village), telling me: “Soccer is here to stay.” Sure as hell is.

I plan to be there for the Germany-Uruguay third-place game Saturday.