Caught the fever yet? Here’s our rundown of the matches to watch, and where to watch them.
Honduras vs. Chile
7:30 a.m.
6-16-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: The underdog Honduran team is only competing in its second-ever World Cup, but Chile’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, said he doesn’t want his team to downplay the threat of the Honduran team, who will face the challenging Spanish team later on.
Where Chile fans should watch: Pomaire at 371 West 46th Street. The Chilean eatery will serve a $20 buffet featuring traditional Chilean eats during the Chilean matches, perfect for munching on while taking in a match.
Where Honduras fans should watch: Nevada Smiths at 74 Third Avenue between 11th and 12th streets. While this isn’t a Honduran home base, the bar is known for their around-the-clock soccer coverage and obscene amount of TVs.
Spain vs. Switzerland
10 a.m.
6-16-2010
ESPN, ESPN3,com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Cup favorite Spain has midfielder Xavi, who single-handedly made his team into a worldwide contender, but Switzerland is ready to avenge their 2006 World Cup elimination.
Where Spain fans should watch: Boqueria at 53 West 19th Street or 171 Spring Street. The Spanish eateries will be showing every game, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon, they will serve a special “World Cup 2010 Menu” featuring churros con chocolate.
Where Switzerland fans should watch: Café Select at 212 Lafayette Street. Have the schnitzel or bratwurst with a World Cup-themed cocktail.
South Africa vs. Uruguay
2:30 p.m.
6-16-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Uruguay was the last of the teams to qualify, and they are going up against the South African team with home-field advantage. But they have not been devoid of World Cup glory, winning the title in 1930.
Where Uruguay fans should watch: El Chivito D’Oro III at 84-02 37th Avenue in Queens. Catch a match among photographs of Uruguayan street scenes while munching on meats galore from their paradilla dish.
Where South Africa fans should watch: Braai South African Restaurant at 329 West 51st Street. The self-proclaimed “official host to World Cup soccer,” the place is sure to be overflowing with South African team spirit.
Argentina vs. South Korea
7:30 a.m.
6-17-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: The Argentine team has star striker Lionel Messi in its arsenal, but South Korea has strong leadership on the field from veterans Lee Young-Pyo and Lee Won-Jae.
Where Argentina fans should watch: Novecento 900 at 343 West Broadway. Novecento has locations worldwide, including Buenos Aires. The restaurant will have a $20 breakfast menu, perfect for morning games.
South Korea: Song 7.2 at 117 Second Avenue will air all cup games. Munch on traditional Korean fare while watching the South Korean team dominate.
Greece vs. Nigeria
10 a.m.
6-17-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Greece comes to the tournament with poor performances in past World Cups, but it’s known for its strong defense. They face a Nigerian team that has struggled in recent years with a weak defense.
Where Nigeria fans should watch: Mirage African Restaurant at 2143 Cortelyou Road in Flatbush. Sample African breakfast foods like moin-moin.
Where Greece fans should watch: Omonia, at 32-20 Broadway in Bayridge, Brooklyn, or 7612 Third Avenue in Astoria, Queens, will air all the Greek matches. At the Astoria location, buy three drinks and get one free during Cup games.
France vs. Mexico
2:30 p.m.
6-17-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: France, last World Cup’s runner-ups-and the team of the infamous head butt-faces a Mexican team with a young roster and high expectations.
Where France fans should watch: Felix Restaurant and Bar at 340 West Broadway is perfect for classic French fare, spirits and soccer.
Where Mexico fans should watch: Hecho en Dumbo at 354 Bowery. Declare Mexico or any other squad as your team, and get a free tequila shot when your team scores.
Germany vs. Serbia
7:30 a.m.
6-18-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: While Germany always has a strong showing, a string of injuries may be costly; Serbia is known for its strong defense and midfield.
Where Germany fans should watch: Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten, at 7 Rivington Street. Perfect for dining on bratwurst, pork schnitzel and authentic German beers while catching a match.
Where Serbia fans should watch: Kafana at 116 Avenue C, an East Village Serbian restaurant, will be cheering on the Serbs as they face the Germans.
Slovenia vs. United States
10 a.m.
6-18-2010
Channels: ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Although the Americans face England first, they will have to up the ante against the Slovenian team, which won the European playoffs.
Where Slovenia fans should watch: Manny’s on Second, at 1770 Second Avenue, is where the Slovenian Women’s Union of America is viewing the team’s first match on June 13, and the restaurant will open for other Slovenian matches.
Where United States fans should watch: Standings at 47 East Seventh Street, between Second Avenue and Taras Shevchenko Place. Catch the action on one of their eight plasmas. Open for all World Cup games except the 7:30 a.m. matches.
England vs. Algeria
2:30 p.m.
6-18-2010
ESPN2, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Algeria, the only Arab nation in the tournament, is still operating on momentum from beating Egypt to gain entry into the cup. They’ll face off with traditional soccer powerhouse England, whose team captain, Rio Ferdinand, was injured and will not play.
Where England fans should watch: Red Lion at 151 Bleecker Street, between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place. A classic English pub, it offers a continental breakfast for the 7:30 a.m. games.
Where Algeria fans should watch: Nomad Restaurant, a North African eatery at 78 Second Avenue. Feast on couscous and tajines while watching Algeria play.
Netherlands vs. Japan
7:30 a.m.
6-19-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Japan has never won a tournament outside of Asia; the Netherlands boasts a strong defense but a past record of disappointing World Cup losses.
Where Netherlands fans should watch: Tonic Times Square, at 727 Seventh Avenue, the unofficial sports headquarters for Dutch soccer fans. It promises lots of beer and breakfast specials for this early-bird game.
Where Japan fans should watch: Macao Trading Co. is playing all games lives, including the 7:30 a.m. ones.
Ghana vs. Australia
10 a.m.
6-19-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Despite being down its star player, Michael Essien, Ghana has made it far with a young team. They’re predicted to finish last in Group D, so if they beat Australia, it’s sure to be an upset to remember.
Where Ghana fans should watch: Meytex at 545 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Offers roasted goat in peanut sauce, Stone Strong Lager and a large flat-screen TV.
Where Australia fans should watch: The Sunburnt Cow at 137 Avenue C, the Sunburnt Calf at 226 West 79th Street and BondiRoad at 153 Rivington all offer two-hour, all-you-can-drink happy hours for $20. Aussies, we’re told, abound.
Cameroon vs. Denmark
2:30 p.m.
6-19-2010
ABC, MobileTV
The rivalry: Nobody expects much out of Cameroon, though the team dominates among African nations. The Danes have a traditionally strong defense and calm field presence, but will need to find the back of the net to win.
Where Cameroon fans should watch: Ponty Bistro at 218 Third Avenue, between 18th and 19th streets; it’s the unofficial headquarters for African teams, and it serves African beers like Tusker.
Where Denmark fans should watch: Petite Abeille at 134 West Broadway serves some of the best mussels in the city and projects the game on their wall. Add $4 Stella Artois, and you should need no further convincing.
Slovakia vs. Paraguay
7:30 a.m.
6-20-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: The odds aren’t bad for Slovakia against the favorite Paraguay, which is down star striker Salvador Cabanas, recovering after being shot in the head in a Mexico City bar in January.
Where Slovakia fans should watch: Lunasa at 126 First Avenue between Seventh Street and St. Marks Place, which offers $5 Heineken drafts through the Cup-and shows all games, even the early-morning ones.
Where Paraguay fans should watch: I Love Py Bakery at 43-16 Greenpoint Avenue will show all Paraguay matches. With coffee and pastries, it’s the perfect way to catch early-morning action.
Italy vs. New Zealand
10 a.m.
6-20-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Italy is sure to fiercely defend its World Cup title, which doesn’t bode well for New Zealand, regarded as one of the weakest teams in the tournament.
Where Italy fans should watch: Trattoria Cinque at 363 Greenwich Street, between Harrison and Franklin streets. The bar shows all World Cup games and offers specials for Italy’s games, such as $1 Peronis and $5 Campari cocktails, but only if Italy takes home a victory.
Where New Zealand fans should watch: Nelson Blue at 255 Front Street, between Peck Slip and Dover Street. It features Australian wines and New Zealand beer and specials for each game.
Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
2:30 p.m.
6-20-2010
ABC, MobileTV
The rivalry: Many are predicting that perennial powerhouse Brazil will win the tournament. It will likely be an uphill battle for the Ivory Coast, meanwhile; the status of its star player, Didier Drogba, is still up in the air.
Where Brazil fans should watch: Beco Bar at 45 Richardson Street, between Lorimer Street and Union Avenue in Brooklyn. It offers traditional Brazilian food, a large screen and $3 beers and $5 caipirinhas.
Where Ivory Coast fans should watch: Les Enfant Terribles at 37 Canal Street. It will be open for every 7:30 a.m. match and offers free sandwiches, special cocktails and a redecorated interior each morning.
Portugal vs. North Korea
7:30 a.m.
6-21-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Nobody has seen the North Koreans since they arrived in Johannesburg, as they’ve been sequestered in a fortresslike hotel. Although ranked the lowest of all the qualifiers, and also playing in the toughest group, they’ve vowed to surprise the world. This may be tough against the perennial contender Portugal.
Where Portugal fans should watch: Macao Trading Company at 311 Church Street, between Walker and Lispenard streets. It’s ideal for early-morning games, has a 10-by-10-foot screen and offers a “FIFA Special”-Portuguese-style sandwiches and a choice of beer, juice or coffee for just $10.
Where North Korea fans should watch: Song 7.2 at 117 Second Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, serves up cheap, traditional Korean fare and will be airing all the World Cup games.
Chile vs. Switzerland
10 a.m.
6-21-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: With their scoring power, the Chileans may prove to be the underdogs that go all the way; the Swiss need to play above their heads to make it out of the group.
Where Chile fans should watch: Pomaire at 371 West 46th Street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues, is the only Chilean restaurant in the city, which is in itself a feat. A favorite of expats and theatergoers, this midtown joint will be chock-full on game days with both breakfast and drink specials.
Where Switzerland fans should watch: Mont Blanc restaurant at 315 West 48th Street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. It won’t boast the largest or loudest crowd, but you’ll be in the company of countrymen dining on some of the best Swiss cuisine in the city.
Spain vs. Honduras
2:30 p.m.
6-21-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: In only its second appearance at the tournament, Honduras will be hard-pressed to score a goal against the confident Spain-a Cup favorite.
Where Spain fans should watch: Boqueria at 53 West 19th Street or 171 Spring Street. The Spanish eateries will be showing every game, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon, they will serve a special “World Cup 2010 Menu,” featuring churros con chocolate.
Where Honduras fans should watch: Nevada Smiths at 74 Third Avenue between 11th and 12th streets. While this isn’t a Honduran home base, the bar is known for its around-the-clock soccer coverage and obscene amount of TVs.
Mexico vs. Uruguay
10 a.m.
6-22-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Uruguay has star player Diego Forlan, who is a true playmaker, but Mexico’s young and vital roster may prove to be a challenge. This should be an evenly matched game.
Where Mexico fans should watch: Hecho en Dumbo (354 Bowery), a former pop-up operation serving up traditional antojitos, or rustic Mexican small plates, found a permanent home on the Bowery in March. Soccer fans who declare their allegiance at the door will receive a free tequila shot for each goal scored by their favorite team.
Where Uruguay fans should watch: El Chivito D’Oro III at 84-02 37th Avenue in Queens. Catch a match among photographs of Uruguayan street scenes while munching on meats galore from their paradilla dish.
France vs. South Africa
10 a.m.
6-22-2010
ESPN2, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: The French, who finished second to the Italians in the 2006 World Cup, are a rather unpredictable squad and may not make it out of the first round. South Africa has the home-field advantage, but is also going to have trouble getting out of the first round due to a shaky defense.
Where South Africa fans should watch: Madiba Restaurant at 195 DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The traditional South African eatery will turn up its surround sound, unfurl its big-screen projectors and break out its brunch menu, complete with five different Samie options, for the Tuesday morning game.
Where France fans should watch: Felix Restaurant and Bar at 340 West Broadway. A new World Cup breakfast menu offers French staples like the Croque Madame and Steak et Oeufs beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Nigeria vs. South Korea
2:30 p.m.
6-22-2010
ESPN2, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: South Korea breezed through qualifying and have Manchester United player Park Si-Jung, but the South Koreans face a strong Nigerian squad with the experienced players Chinedu Obasi and captain Joseph Yobo.
Where Nigeria fans should watch: Mirage Restaurant at 21-43 Cortelyou Road in Flatbush, Brooklyn. It offers some of the city’s best fufu-a plantain-based sticky substance dipped in soup or sauce and consumed sans utensils-alongside a showing of the afternoon game.
Where South Korea fans should watch: Song 7.2 at 117 Second Avenue. It provides South Korea fans ideal bar food in the form of a long list of Korean tapas, including red-chili chicken wings. But what makes Song an even more attractive choice for World Cup viewing: its drink specials, like the $20 five-beer or four-sake special.
Greece vs. Argentina
2:30 p.m.
6-22-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: With star players like Lionel Messi, Argentina is a favorite to win, but the experienced Greek squad has a penchant for upsets-like at the 2004 European Championship, when the team nabbed the title.
Where Greece fans should watch: Omonia, at 32-20 Broadway in Bayridge, Brooklyn, or at 7612 Third Avenue in Astoria, Queens. This Greek eatery will air all Greek matches and offers a special at the Astoria location-buy three drinks and get one free.
Where Argentina fans should watch: Novecento 900 at 343 West Broadway. Novecento has locations worldwide, including Buenos Aires. The restaurant will have a $20 breakfast menu for morning games.
Slovenia vs. England
10 a.m.
6-23-2010
ESPN2, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: England and the United States are the teams to beat in this group. Even if Slovenia manages to advance past Algeria, this game will likely mark the end of the road for the country.
Where Slovenia fans should watch: Manny’s on Second at 1770 Second Avenue. The sports bar features 40 HDTVs and free Wi-Fi, so you won’t get behind on work while you’re keeping up with the match.
Where England fans should watch: Red Lion at 151 Bleecker Street, between Thompson Street and Laguardia Place. This classic English pub offers a continental breakfast for the 7:30 a.m. games.
United States vs. Algeria
10 a.m.
6-23-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Algerians will have a tough time beating the favored U.S. team, especially in light of recent shake-ups, like coach Rabah Sadaane’s decision to drop team captain Yazid Mansuri for the Cup opener. The United States also has tired-and-true veterans like Landon Donovan.
Where United States fans should watch: Standings at 47 East Seventh Street, between Second Avenue and Taras Shevchenko Place. Catch the action on one of their eight plasmas. Open for all World Cup games except 7:30 a.m. matches.
Where Algeria fans should watch: Nomad Restaurant, a North African eatery at 78 Second Avenue. Feast on couscous and tajines while watching Algeria take to the pitch.
Australia vs. Serbia
2:30 p.m.
6-23-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: The Australian team has key players like goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and midfielder Tim Cahill, but making it out of this group will be tough, and they should have trouble against Serbia’s stellar defense.
Where Australia fans should watch: Nelson Blue at 255 Front Street, between Peck Slip and Dover Street, offers Australian wines and New Zealand beer and specials for each game.
Where Serbia fans should watch: Kafana at 116 Avenue C serves up Serbian fare, perfect for munching on while watching the Serbian squad.
Ghana vs. Germany
2:30 p.m.
6-23-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Three-time World Cup winner Germany always has a strong showing, but has struggled in the past two years since losing to France in the Euro finals. Ghana might be a challenge for the Germans; it advanced the furthest of any African team in 2006.
Where Germany fans should watch: Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten, at 7 Rivington Street or 64 Frost Street. Perfect for dining on bratwurst, pork schnitzel and authentic German beers while catching a match.
Where Ghana fans should watch: The Maytex Cafe at 545 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn is a popular gathering place for Ghanaian expats; it will be showing all World Cup matches on its big-screen TV, along with traditional offerings like egushi, a pumpkin seed and spinach stew, and peanut-sauced goat.
Slovakia vs. Italy
10 a.m.
6-24-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV,
The rivalry: The match between Slovakia and Italy is one to watch; while the aging Italy squad is the reigning World Cup champion, the recently established Slovakian nation’s team is relatively new on the scene, with 2010 its first World Cup entry since gaining its independence in 1994.
Where Slovakia fans should watch: Zlata Praha Restaurant, at 28-48 31st Street in Astoria, serves authentic Czech and Slovak cuisine and shows its home country’s World Cup matches, attracting many Slovak soccer enthusiasts. The restaurant will be opening its doors in time for the 10 a.m. matches-but not the 7:30 a.m.
Where Italy fans should watch: Trattoria Cinque at 363 Greenwich Street, between Harrison and Franklin streets. In Italy, it’s common for fans to visit local “trattorias,” or casual restaurants before big soccer matches. Trattoria Cinque shows all World Cup games and offers specials for Italy’s contests, such as $1 Peronis and $5 Campari cocktails-if Italy wins.
Paraguay vs. New Zealand
10 a.m.
6-24-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: This match-up should prove to be an interesting one-Paraguay, which has qualified for the World Cup four consecutive times, is hungry for a win and a prime candidate for an upset; New Zealand is arguably the biggest long shot in the tournament.
Where Paraguay fans should watch: Stout, at 133 West 33rd Street, is usually apt to put your game on one of its many TVs, no matter how obscure.
Where New Zealand fans should watch: Nelson Blue at 255 Front Street, between Peck Slip and Dover Street. It offers Australian wines and New Zealand beer and specials for each game. If you want to catch a 7:30 game, though, you’re out of luck-Nelson Blue will open for the 10 o’clock games only.
Denmark vs. Japan
2:30 p.m.
6-24-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: FIFA’s founding squad, Denmark, qualified at the top of its group and come out strong against Japan-which has never won a World Cup on foreign soil, but was the first squad to qualify for the Cup. Another strike against Japan? Its unpopular coach, Takeshi Okada, who said that the Japanese team was aiming to make it to the semifinals, which gained wide public contempt.
Where Denmark fans should watch: Tonic Times Square, located at 727 Fifth Avenue, between 48th and 49th streets, is known as the Dutch soccer house. It opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. for the duration of the tournament and offers drink and food specials during games.
Where Japan fans should watch: Sushi Samba Park, at 245 Park Avenue, between East 19th and 20th streets, or Sushi Samba Seven, at 87 Seventh Avenue, between Barrow and Grove streets, are the perfect places to enjoy some great sushi and soccer. Both locations televise each game and offer World Cup-themed cocktails and food specials during the games.
Cameroon vs. Netherlands
2:30 p.m.
6-24-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: Cameroon, widely thought of as Africa’s best shot at a World Cup title, has a physical midfield and is good at counterattack, but the Dutch have been known to pull a few upsets.
Where Cameroon fans should watch: Ponty Bistro at 218 Third Avenue, an East Village French-West African bar and restaurant, will show every World Cup match. The restaurant will offer African beer for $6 as well as two for one martinis for the occasion.
Where Netherlands fans should watch: Tonic Times Square, located at 727 Fifth Avenue, between 48th and 49th streets, is known as the Dutch soccer house. It opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. for the duration of the tournament and offers drink and food specials during games.
North Korea vs. Ivory Coast
10 a.m.
6-25-2010
The rivalry: The match between the North Korean underdogs and the strong Ivory Coast squad may be one to watch, since the status of Ivory Coast star striker and captain, Didier Drogba, is still up in the air following a May arm injury.
Where North Korea fans should watch: Song 7.2 at 117 Second Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, serves up cheap, traditional Korean fare and will be airing all the World Cup games.
Where Ivory Coast fans should watch: Les Enfant Terribles at 37 Canal Street. It opens at 7:30 am every day of the Cup, offering free sandwiches, specialty cocktails and a redecorated interior each morning.
Portugal vs. Brazil
10 a.m.
6-25-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: Brazil, winner of the 2002 World Cup, is in a tough group for this year’s Cup, but still a favorite against Portugal, whose biggest asset is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Where Portugal fans should watch: Portuguese restaurant Macao Trading Company, at 311 Church Street, between Walker and Lispenard streets, is ideal for early-morning games; it has a 10-by-10-foot screen and offers a “FIFA Special”-Portuguese-style sandwiches and a choice of beer, juice or coffee for just $10.
Where Brazil fans should watch: Beco Bar at 45 Richardson Street, between Lorimer Street and Union Avenue in Brooklyn. During the tournament, beers are just $3 and caipirinhas are $5.
Switzerland vs. Honduras
2:30 p.m.
6-25-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com
The rivalry: A young Swiss team will challenge the Honduras squad, who are out for blood after being eliminated in the first round in 1982-their last World Cup appearance.
Where Switzerland fans should watch: Café Select at 212 Lafayette Street. Have the schnitzel or bratwurst with a World Cup-themed cocktail.
Where Honduras fans should watch: Nevada Smiths at 74 Third Avenue, between 11th and 12th streets. While this isn’t a Honduran home base, the bar is known for its around-the-clock soccer coverage and obscene amount of TVs.
Chile vs. Spain
2:30 p.m.
6-25-2010
ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
The rivalry: The confident Spanish squad, the clear favorite of the group, faces off against rival Chile, in Chile’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Where Chile fans should watch: Pomaire at 371 West 46th Street; it charges $20 per person for a buffet during Chilean games only.
Where Spain fans should watch: Boqueria at 53 West 19th Street or 171 Spring Street. The Spanish eateries will be showing every game, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon, they will serve a special “World Cup 2010 Menu” featuring churros con chocolate.
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