Women's World Cup Breakfast Continues Tomorrow
By Nick Barbaro, 2:19PM, Thu. Sep. 13, 2007
Over the past decade or so, I've developed a tradition (habit? obsession?) of hosting World Cup breakfasts at my house, matching national cuisines to the countries playing that day.
This year, with the Women's World Cup held in China, and all games live at 4am and 7am, the timing is, well, challenging. But the true fan(atic) perseveres, and with one game under the belt for everyone, it's been a great World Cup so far.
So, as we head into the second round of games tomorrow morning, WC Breakfast continues, highlighted by:
U.S. at 4am tomorrow; England-Germany at 7am; showdown games at 7am Saturday.
Sunday off; then the group finales are Mon.-Tue.-Wed.
So, if you're up early (or late), here's what I'll be serving for breakfast, along with various forms of caffeine. If I know you, even if I somehow failed to include you on my e-mail list, please drop by. If not, feel free to adapt these menus to your own uses.
Game previews and menus below.
Friday, 4am: USA-Sweden (B); Argentina-Japan (A).
US and Sweden: No. 1 and No. 3 in the world, and if either one loses, they're probably eliminated after just two games.
Meanwhile, if Argentina's as bad as they looked against Germany, Japan will have to try to run up the score to keep up on goal differential.
Breakfast: Uncle Sam's cereal, Mrs. J's apple fritters, yerba mate, and submarinos.
Friday, 7am: England-Germany (A); North Korea-Nigeria (B).
The Battle of Britain all over again. That would cast Kelly Smith as the RAF; and she'll surely need her Finest Hour to save God and Country from the overpowering German aerial assault.
English/German breakfast: Potato pancakes and a sausage and cheese plate for Germany; Bangers & eggs, crumpets, cheeses and tea for England. Two of my favorites.
Saturday, 4am: Canada-Ghana (C); Denmark-New Zealand (D).
Four teams who lost their first games, and are trying to stay alive.
Breakfast: Weetabix, and very, very strong coffee.
Saturday, 7am: Australia-Norway (C); Brazil-China (D).
Conversely, four teams who won their first games, and now face-off as group favorites.
Breakfast: Vegemite on toast, some nice Norwegian cheeses, with or without an Australian fruit glaze, Brazilian coffee, chocolate, and Guarana; and perhaps an assortment of Dim Sum.
Final Group Games:
Monday, 7am: Germany-Japan; England-Argentina (A)
A reprise of the German-English breakfasts, two of my favorites.
Tuesday, 7am: USA-Nigeria; North Korea-Sweden (B)
Bacon & eggs, Uncle Sam's & Mrs. J's; and yes, Kimchee this time.
Wednesday, 4am: Norway-Ghana; Australia-Canada (C)
If anyone shows up for this one, they'll find Weetabix, Vegemite on toast, and lots of caffeine. Also maybe a very good Commonwealth game.
Wednesday, 7am: China-New Zealand; Brazil-Denmark (D)
Caffeine theme continues: Chinese tea, Brazilian coffee, Guarana. Breakfast will be a mix of Danish breads, cheeses, and marmalades, and Dim Sum (rumaki, eggrolls, etc.).
Quarterfinals
Saturday, Sept. 22 4am 1st A – 2nd B
7am 1st B – 2nd A
Sunday, Sept. 23 4am 1st C – 2nd D
7am 1st D – 2nd C
Semifinals
Wednesday, Sept. 26 7am 1A/2B – 1C/2D
Thursday, Sept. 27 7am 1B/2A – 1D/2C
Third Place Match
Sunday, Sept. 30 4am Shanghai L29 – L30
Final
Sunday, Sept. 30 7am Shanghai W29 – W30
The results so far:
Group A
Germany 11, Argentina 0
England 2, Japan 2
Group B
USA 2, North Korea 2
Sweden 1, Nigeria 1
Group C
Norway 2, Canada 1
Australia 4, Ghana 1
Group D
Brazil 5, New Zealand 0
China 3, Denmark 2
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