So, I’m standing in line at the post office the other day with a bunch of people I’ve never seen before, and this guy turns to me and says, “So, how about that South Korea?” I’m a little taken aback, but manage that, yeah, they pulled it out, but I felt sorry for Togo, a charming, hard-luck team that had played so well … the guy behind him in the gimme cap nodded sympathetically, and asked if Brazil was up next, or was that the 2pm game? And as we talked about the Brazilian samba, a fourth fellow, walking by, proclaimed, “Viva Italia,” and headed on out the door. World Cup fever has indeed gripped Austin.
Where to go: Venues showing all 64 games live include Fadó, 214 W. Fourth; Ringers, 415 Colorado (plus daily replays, 5:30 & 8pm); Mother Egan’s, 715 W. Sixth; Cafe Mundi, 1704 E. Fifth, and La Mexicana Bakery, 1924 S. First. Fans of Brazil (and who isn’t?) should hit Sampaio, 4800 Burnet, and/or Casa Brasil, on East 53rd at Evans; both had raucous crowds and samba drums for Brazil’s opener on Tuesday. Argentina fans are at Buenos Aires Cafe, 2414 S. First. Other notables: Alamo Village (except 8am games), Progress Coffee on East Fifth and San Marcos; Club Carnaval, 2237 E. Riverside; Copa, 217 Congress; for that matter, any ethnic restaurant or bar with a TV is a good bet – including B.D. Riley’s, 204 E. Sixth, where the Chrontourage is watching the USA game, 2pm Saturday!
This article appears in June 16 • 2006.