World Cup NYC: Czech Republic v Ghana
If there was any question about World Cup excitement last weekend in New York City, it was answered on Saturday and Sunday. It took a little while, but the city is in on the action, and it doesn't matter how small the ex-pat community; they still turn out in force for World Cup matches.
This was more than evident at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria on Saturday, which was full to capacity with Czech soccer fans for Czech Republic's heartbreaking 2-0 loss to Ghana. No amount of painted faces, air horns (which started honking an hour before kickoff), and chanting could improve the Czechs' play--they looked sluggish and uninspired against a hungrier Ghanian team. It's too bad, too; even the Slovak bartender at the beer hall explained to Jaunted that he was rooting for the Czechs because the Slovaks didn't qualify for the Cup.
Bohemian Hall was ready for early bird fans--they were open by 10 and were selling muffins and coffee for bleary-eyed supporters arriving for the noon match. Of course, they were selling pitchers of beer as well, and most of the true Czech fans were going for the authentic, breakfast beer route.
By the start of the match, the line for beer was out the door and around the corner, and the line for food at halftime was long enough that we saw several fans with pitchers of beer and glasses to sustain themselves during the wait. Bohemian H all serves authentic grilled klobasy and sauerkraut, and it's worth the wait for the tasty sausage.
Most of all, we were impressed that the Czech fans outnumbered the U.S. fans there for the late U.S.--Italy match. Czech Republic is a nation of 10 million, only slightly larger than the population of New York City, yet they still managed to fill up the Beer Garden with supporters. Let's hope the fans have a reason to return after their match with Italy on Thursday.
[Image via Kate Sullivan]
Related Stories:
· World Cup Coverage [Jaunted]
· Germany World Cup [Official Site]
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