Soccer

Obama watches U.S. advance in Air Force One

About midway through the approximately two-and-a-half-hour flight, aides brought photographers to Obama's airborne conference room to capture him watching the U.S. match against Germany.

President was en route to Minneapolis

U.S. President Barack Obama, on Air Force One, catches part of the Americans' match against Germany at the FIFA World Cup. (Larry Downing/Reuters)

Air Force One gave President Barack Obama an advantage that wasn't available to many other frequent flyers Thursday: the opportunity to watch the U.S. team play World Cup soccer.

About midway through the approximately two-and-a-half-hour flight, aides brought photographers to Obama's airborne conference room to capture him watching the match against Germany. Bowls of chips and other snacks were laid out on the table.

Germany defeated the U.S. 1-0, but both teams advance to the tournament's next round. The final score came after Obama landed in Minneapolis, but he began a speech there by expressing his pride in the team for getting through. 

"They are defying the odds and earned a lot of believers in the process," Obama said.