The World Cup is about scoring first, playing defense... and, this year, downing eggs and booze at 8am. We know who you'll be pulling for, but we've highlighted a couple spots where the fans just might be rooting for teams other than the Red, White and Blue. It's okay. They can't be worse than Philly fans.
To root on the Stars and Stripes, you require friendly turf. We'd say a place with 60 HDTVs counts as friendly turf. This Arlington soccer bar is sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation, but just to be magnanimous, they'll also be serving $3.50 Italian beer. You know the Italians would do the same for us.
Not content with the action on the pitch, the British gastropub is pitting Bangers and Mash against Burgers and Chips. (We think they're stacking the deck, because Yanks don't call them "chips.") After Saturday, you can cheer on the Three Lions with all the black pudding and English ale you care to have. Which is your own kind of "special relationship."
The German side is methodical and deliberate in its play. And when facing a dozen German drafts, so are you. Biergarten Haus, H Street's long-delayed temple to outdoor drinking, is finally throwing open its doors this weekend with two 100-inch projection TVs outdoors. Tubas are encouraged.
If you're going to a bar at 7am, some ethnic eats are probably in order. The Latin-themed Dupont hangout's got projection screens and specials on beer, empanadas and South American choripán sandwiches. They'll also pour you a free shot if you take your shirt off after your team scores a goal. Sports bra optional.
Go ahead. Root for the home team. Especially when you can watch the games on six TVs and a 10-foot projection screen. Dukem is broadcasting games starting at 10am every day, with Ethiopian breakfast and specials on their half-dozen African beers. Beer: the universal language.
