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A few weeks ago, we watched the first half of the Champions League Final at Pyramid. Each shot or diving save was met with indifference by the lunch crowd—we quickly found the game slow and boring.
For the second half we moved to the Owl and Thistle and wedged our way into a seat around those in jerseys and scarves. Their oohs, awws, and referee death threats made for a much more exciting second half.
For this reason, we spent two Sunday hours inside the George and Dragon surrounded by Czech and Turkish (our adopted Euro '08 team) fans. They sang along with the national anthems, chanted, and tossed barbs back and forth in their native tongue:
Czech Fan to Turkish Fans: Bleckenbleckenblecken [Czechs laugh]
Turkish Fan to Czech Fans: Bleckenbleckenblecken [Turks laugh]
When Turkey staged a miraculous comeback (three goals in the final fifteen minutes, for a 3-2 do-or-die victory, in the most amazing soccer game we have ever seen by several hectares), the bar exploded in cheers, dancing, flag-waving, and tears of joy.
It was truly something fantastic to observe.
With that still burned into our sports-loving brain, we watched Friday’s Turkey vs. Croatia game (another amazing Turk victory) at Fado. The game started right around lunch time and the place filled up with patrons pretty into the game. However, as clock got closer to 1:30 the tables emptied, and only a few witnessed Turkey avenging their 1783 loss in Vienna. We couldn’t help but think what the scene was at the G&D.
On Sunday we watched Spain beat Italy in the half full Kangaroo and Kiwi. A few Spanish fans gathered around the largest television, but most of the mid-day drinkers were non-partisan. We have reports that there were a few Russian and Dutch fans there on Saturday.
Unlike the World Cup, which seems to bring out those looking to be a part of something, the Euro Cup is reserved for the die-hards, those who truly want to be around the atmosphere.
So those looking for a true Epcot excitement that would stain the inside of Lou Dobbs' pants we recommend watching the remaining three games at George and Dragon. Those who just want to be around other soccer fans you really can’t wrong at Fado or (our favorite) the Kangaroo and Kiwi.
The semi-finals are Wednesday (Turkey vs. Germany) and Thursday (Russia vs. Spain), the final is on Sunday. Games start at 11:45am.
UPDATE: The Seattlest staff also suggests Café Presse.
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Cafe Presse has also been crazy during the Euro Cup. If you can grab a seat at the bar, get there early and stake your territory--it's a great place to watch the game with other die hards.
I've been enjoying watching the games at the comfort of my own home since ESPN finally figured out there was an American market for it. For the somewhat dissapoiting Italy-Spain match we had a bottle of Italian wine in the first half and a bottle of Spanish wine for the second. Just as was true on the pitch, the Spanish wine was superior.
In fact, I was gonna watch the Spain/Italy game at Presse, but it got too crowded. So I hoofed it up to Hopvine, which was completely empty. Eventually one other guy showed up to watch. Talk about elbow room.
The Dray on 7th and 65th was packed to the gills for the Spain v Italy game.
I recommend the comfort of Abbey's own home--there's themed wine selections!
Unfortunately, you can probably take over my local bar.
Spitfire has more Euro-wankers watching soccer than you can shake a stick at.
Normally, this would piss me off, as I can't stand soccer or its fellow traveller, the Europhile, but with the hometown 9 being the worst in the Majors, I don't have much ground to complain.