Day #2

“WAKING UP”

As I make my way to the C subway stop at 110th and Central Park West, I only thought it was fitting that I start my day with the Beasties Boy’s “Brass Monkey” on the iPod. I know, a simple and obvious idea considering my destination was Brass Monkey on 55 Little West 12th St. between Washington and West Sts. It was only after the song finished that I realized it was now appropriate to listen to only British bands instead to get me in the mood for the England-Paraguay game. This idea took a somber turn as by sheer randomness the first song I listened to was by the Beatles, with Paul McCartney singing lead vocals on “We Can Work it Out.” So instead of getting psyched for the big England game, I find myself sitting on the C train thinking and hoping Paul’s marital problems will work itself out. This is no way to start my day! I must change my mood to get myself ready for a game and a crowd I know is going to be festive at Brass Monkey. A change to Bloc Party does the fix because when I get to the street at the 14th St. subway stop I am ready to get this day started.

It took some time and another lost disciple of Brass Monkey to realize that the bar is on “Little” West 12th Street in the Meat Packing District. My new friend, Ian, and I are frustrated to not find the bar right away but as we enter the bar together we are content in seeing the place have a healthy size of fans already finding their places around the many TVs surrounding the bar 45 minutes before the game. I’m lucky. I find a choice seat with a clear sight to the 70-inch projection screen and room to order the full English breakfast I plan to enjoy before the game. To food is good, the game is uninspiring but at least I find a great place to watch England games that I honestly feel could not be better. The atmosphere is terrific, full with English fans smart enough not to try and deal with the mess that is Nevada Smiths on days like this one.

As this is game day for me, I will keep this entry small. The game should be a real concern for English fans. They should be happy in getting the 3 points, but their game and play was lackluster at best. This was an English side that had 11 individual agendas out there on the field. Obviously this is a team with tremendous talent, but I would suggest here that their future in this World Cup would be a short one if they don’t come and play together soon. I would hate to see the World Cup with England not involved after the second round.

And as for Paraguay, they officially are now my least favorite team in the tournament. First, it was finding out that they publicly took shots at England and individual players like Beckham before the game began today. Secondly, I hated the way that most of the players on the team were on the ground more than they were on their feet today. And finally, they were simply a horribly bad performing team. Is it ironic that their captain Carlos Gamarra, Paraguay’s most vocal critic of England before the game today, did the own-goal? Here’s hoping Mr. Gamarra eats some humble pie and starts acting like a leader by their second game.

As I left the Brass Monkey to get back home to relax for the rest of the day, I was both disappointed in the morning game but excited to find such a great place to see England games in the city. I really could not ask for a better atmosphere to see the game. It truly was a pleasure to sit, eat with and meet such wonderful fans of the sport. A big thanks to Brass Monkey for putting on such a great party.


Game #2

Good to see Mr. Hislop have a great game today for T & T. Many probably don’t know that Shaka played college soccer at Howard University. Congrats also go out to Cornell Glen, Stern John and Avery John, former and current MLS players who today had a chance to live out their dream of playing in the World Cup.

The Argentina game just started, so I will talk to you tomorrow.

Next Location for Day 3 (Sunday):

Tonic Bar
727 7th Ave, between 48th and 49th
(212) 382-1059

As explained to me, “The Dutch apparently aren't cool enough to have own bar, so NYC's "Netherlands Club” will be watching at this overly-inclusive bar.” I also felt this location offered my NJ friends a chance to see the games close to public transportation. Since I have practice in the morning, I will try to get there by the second half of the Holland game.

MONDAY AT STOUT! GO USA!