Group Stage Itinerary

Friday, June 11th, 2010 (7:00 a.m.) Mexico vs. South Africa

Mexico: There is no shortage of Mexican restaurants in the Bay that will be broadcasting the World Cup opener against host South Africa on Friday, June 11. El Tri have a strong following throughout California. One Bay Area neighborhood expected to be popping is Fruitvale, located in East Oakland. A local cantina with walls adorned with Aztec murals, El Huarache Azteca will be packed well before the 7:00 a.m. kick-off. Doors open round 6:00 a.m. and a line is expected.

El Huarache Azteca
3842 International Blvd
Oakland, CA

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 (11:30 a.m.) USA vs. England

USA: The United States face the enormous task of opening their World Cup participation with a game against powerhouse England in Rustenberg, South Africa. One great venue to cheer on the Yanks vs. the Redcoats is 330 Ritch, in San Francisco. The bar has $5 cover, or you can purchase a table for $20 (seats five). As if one needed any more motivation to watch this epic matchup, chicken & waffles will be served, pitchers are $12 and people dressing in Revolutionary War attire will receive prizes.

330 Ritch

360 Ritch St

San Francisco, CA 94107

Sunday, June 13th, 2010 (11:30 a.m.) Germany vs. Australia

Germany: The 2006 semifinalists look to set the pace against the Aussies in their first action in South Africa. Schroeder's will be broadcasting the game on large flat screen TV's, and their impressive selection of German beer will be served at a discounted price. This place has been a German institution in San Francisco since the late 19th century. Expect a raucous German crowd, chomping at the bit to exact revenge for their bitter semifinal exit in 2006.

Schroeder's Cafe
240 Front Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

Monday, June 14th, 2010 (11:30 a.m.) Italy vs. Paraguay

Italy enter the Cup as the defending World champions, and will open play against a solid Paraguay side. Italian coach Marcello Lippi has been criticized for fielding a 23-man squad that consists of many holdovers from Germany 2006. The team is one of the oldest in the entire tournament.

Cavalli Cafe in North Beach is a great, low-key venue to watch il Azzurri open their 2010 Group Stage competition. Come early, as most of North Beach is expected to be dialed in to watch their aging, but talented squad defend their crown.

Cavalli Cafe

1441 Stockton Street

San Francisco, California
94133





Friday, June 18th, 2010 (11:30 a.m.) England vs. Algeria

England: The immensely talented but injury-plagued English side will take on outmatched Algeria in what should be a tune-up for the Round of 16. Regardless of the opponent, the Mad Dog in the Fog pub will be crawling with Brits. This is a San Francisco hot spot for English Premier League and Champions League fixtures, so there will be a large contingent of die-hard England supporters. Americans may want to keep their gloating to a minimum.

Mad Dog in the Fog
530 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA



Sunday, June 20th, 2010 (7:00-11:30 a.m.) Italy vs. New Zealand and Brazil vs. Ivory Coast

These matches will feature several of the top 50 footballers in the world. The two star-studded clashes will attract many fans to the San Francisco Civic Center, where every World Cup match will be shown on a 13-by-18-foot TV screen. Free entry is a plus, although adult beverages are not allowed.

San Francisco Civic Center


Monday, June 21st and Friday, June 25th, 2010 (11:30 a.m. for both games) Spain vs. Honduras and Spain vs. Chile

Spain enter the World Cup as one of the favorites. They did not lose a game in qualifying and outscored their opponents by 28 goals. They won the 2008 UEFA Cup and their fans expect nothing other than the Cup in their possession on July 11. They have two intriguing matchups against feisty Latin American teams, Honduras and Chile. LaLoLa is owned by a Spanish expat and should be a great spot to devour tapas while watching David Villa and Co. fly through Group H.

LaLoLa Bar de Tapas
1358 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA