It is a beautiful game indeed. It has been a month since South Africa and Mexico kicked off the 2010 World Cup. In that time, we've seen red cards, penalty kicks, cries for goal-line replay and boos at on field theatrics. We've seen games come down to the wire (I audibly yelped at my desk at work when Asamoah Gyan missed that penalty kick) and surprise blowouts that made us question our initial assumptions (England? Argentina?). And finally we can step away from our desks and the convenience of espn3 to enjoy the final game of this year's tournament. So onto the game...
Le Oranje versus La Roja. Dutch versus Spanish. This was not a completely inconceivable notion in early July - once you looked past Brazil, Argentina and the obviously ludicrous US or England predictions. The Dutch have rolled through their first six matches undefeated, beatng their opponents on goals 12-5. The Spanish were stunned in their first game, upset by the Swiss 1-0. They have only given up one goal since then, handily managing neighbor Portugal, Paraguay and the aforementioned Germans.
This game is not short on storylines. Will Villa, Sneijder or Klose win the Golden Boot? Will Torres or Fabregas prove useful? Will I get Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie confused for the entire game? Will Iker Casillas be distracted by his alluring sideline girlfriend?
More importantly, the city is certainly not short on watering holes to enjoy this weekend's festivities. Where do you plan to watch? We have some options...
It's been showing the games for the past 20 years and will offer $5 Estrella de Galicia (a popular Spanish beer), sangria ($7 for a glass, $26 for a pitcher) and paella ($18) as they cheer on Spain.
Known as the Dutch Soccer House, Oranje faithful will be in good company here.
Let's start with the obvious. Nevada Smiths is second to none in this city for their round-the-clock football coverage and they have been ramping up for the South African showdown for months. They likely won't offer huge specials, but let's not kid ourselves, they don't really need to.
Stout is an obvious choice for this year's World Cup. With three levels of bars, tables and tvs, there is plenty of space to see the game you want. When you add in a varied beer selection and great breakfast specials for the morning games, you get a place that makes the sports-viewing experience better.
Want to know where droves of football fans throw Manhattan into a frenzy all year long? Look no further than the Parlour, the only bar west of Central Park with true Champions League appeal. There's no mistaking the type of football that draws a crowd here - the Parlour will keep the UWS honest during this year's tournament.
John from Playwrights is pulling out all the stops for this once-in-four-years World Cup opportunity to show fans how fabulous his bar is. The bar will be decked out with surround sound audio for all the games to make you feel like you're in the middle of the action. Drafts are $3.50, specials on breakfast for early games and free hot dogs for the 2:30 games. FREE HOT DOGS! You won't be disappointed.
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