A lot of wishful thinking in that reply. The real reason they are liking the UNITED STATES in Brazil is because of the money the US fans are spending.
You are absolutely correct. The large contingent of American soccer fans is helping the economies of any site where the American team is playing. This is especially true now that fans of England, Italy and Spain have pretty much left Brazil after their disappointing showings in the Group stage.
We are getting along well in Brazil because our team has won respect, because US soccer fans are not as obnoxious and combative as European and South American soccer fans, and because Brazilians have a generally positive opinion of the US.
A less cynical way of putting it is that the large US contingent - and while soccer may be a niche sport in the US, that still leaves a lot of supporters and they tend to be passionate - helps sway the “neutrals” in the crowd.
So far, I’m 4-0 in picking the knockout round games. I have Germany and France today (duh), and Argentina and USA tomorrow. Personally, I think today has the potential for being the dullest of the round of 16, but nothing in this tournament has been predictable.