I was able to fulfill a dream in 2004 by going to France to see the Tour de France. Another wish is to see the World Cup in all its insanity at some point in my life. Short of that, I was fascinated by a series of online articles in Salon back in 2002 in which the intrepid reporter attempted to watch World Cup games in bars matching the players nationality on the field. He was in New York City and got paid to carry out his quest. Unfortunately I am in central Connecticut and only had a few random days to see what I could cobble together as far as this cool idea goes.
Let’s get to it.
Friday, June 9
Stop # 1: Germany vs. Costa Rica at Eastside Restaurant, New Britain
Stop # 2: Poland vs. Ecuador at Stadion Cafe, New Britain
Saturday, June 10
Stop # 3: Three games in my living room, West Hartford
Sunday, June 11
Stop # 4: Two games; my living room and Portugal vs. Angola at The Cambrense Cafe, Hartford
Monday June 12 & Wed June 14
Stop # 5:Three games; featuring USA, Switzerland, Togo, and Croatia, my living room & at Rookies, Cromwell
Friday June 16
Stop # 6: Mexico vs. Angola, Ay Chihuahua Cantina, Hartford
Saturday June 17
Stop # 7: Two games from my living room
Sunday June 18
Stop # 8: USA vs. Italy, Francesca’s Ristorante, Hartford
Sunday June 18
Stop # 9: Brazil vs. Australia, Goal International, Hartford
Thursday June 22
Stop # 10: USA vs. Ghana, Vaughn’s Pub, Hartford
Sunday June 27
Stop # 11: England vs. Ecuador, The Half Door, Hartford
Sunday July 8
Stop # 12: Brazil vs. France, Brazil Grille, Hartford