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World Cup NYC: Australia v Italy

As we sat down at the Sunburnt Cow on Avenue C today to watch the Aussies take on heavy favorites Italy, the bartender explained the specials the bar was running for the game . "All you can eat breakfast buffet for $10, and all you can drink beer and well liquor for $25". Wow.  When we noted that anyone taking advantage of the drink special was committed to their team, especially for a weekday game at 11am, the bartender explained further. "Probably only 5% of the customers will do the special," he said, "but that 5% will drink $50 worth of beer."

The Aussies played the game today with a similar level of commitment; Italy was down ten men most of the match and the Italians only squeaked by on a questionable penalty kick during injury time. When the ball hit the back of the net, it sucked the air out of the room at the Cow. A tough loss, but an enjoyable 90 minutes nonetheless.

We learned a lot during the game: Toohey's, the Australian beer with good ads, maybe should focus more on the whole taste thing, and that's not an ostrich on the Aussie's jerseys, it's an emu. Pronounced E-mew, no less. Finally, it's hard not to love a team where support is shown by yelling "Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie" at the top of your lungs when they have the ball. We hope to see the Socceroos again in 2010.

[Image via figuromo/Flickr]

Related Stories:
·   World Cup Coverage [Jaunted]
·   Germany World Cup [Official Site]