2014 FIFA World Cup: Five Spots to Get In On the Futbol Frenzy

This week marks the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, a culmination of the world’s greatest soccer teams. To some, the World Cup is an even bigger event than the Super Bowl or NBA finals combined.

This year, the 20^th FIFA World Cup, there are a total of 32 teams in competition. All teams are broken into 8 groups, with each group comprised of 4 teams. The groups are created with a random drawing, and the U.S. is in Group G, fondly referred to as the Group of Death. Why so serious? Well, soccer is pretty hardcore and Group G is made up of some of the best of the best; Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA.

The Cup will host 64 matches, with each team within a group playing all other teams in that group once in 12 cities in Brazil. The top two teams from each group will move to the elimination stage with the final game being played on July 13^th in Rio de Janeiro. This is only the second time that Brazil has hosted the World Cup and this should prove to be an interesting Cup as Brazil has never lost a home game since 1975.

So whether you call it fútbol or soccer, head into anyone of these local spots to get some kicky eats and watch the best matches.

Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill

2121 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix; 602.977.2700

June 12^th through July 13^th

Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill has created a four week promotion to ensure that you won’t miss a kick, goal or yellow card. Executive Chef Marlene Portillo has created a special selection of Brazilian foods and cocktails just for this occasion. They will also be opening up at 9am to make sure you have a spot for the early matches, too. Enjoy the games on any one of their 32 HD TV’s throughout the bar, get in on the FIFA bracket and enjoy some really great food.

Kelly’s at Southbridge

7117 E. 6^th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.393.3205

June 12^th through July 13^th

Head to Kelly’s to catch up on the matches and enjoy $3 draft and wells during each and every game.
Kelly’s at Southbridge is a staple in Old Town Scottsdale’s dining district. This 8.000-square-foot swanky pub is a popular destination to the daytime and nighttime crowd, alike. It offers traditional pub classics mixed with exceptional modern cuisine.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe; 480.968.2920

June 16^th, June 22^nd and June 26^th

Only want to catch the US games? Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill and the Arizona Sports League will be hosting World Cup viewing parties for three Team USA matches this June. Watch as the US takes on Ghana, Portugal and Germany from one of Thirsty Lion’s 16 60-inch plasma televisions and enjoy your choice of their 52 local, craft, import and domestic beers on draft or one of their unique specialty cocktails. The pub and grill will open at 9 a.m. for early matches and will be serving from their menu of eclectic, multi-cultural cuisines that ranges from pizza and juicy burgers to Asian and Mexican inspired entrees.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
Several Valley Locations

June 12^th through July 13^th

The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery will be offering up a special breakfast menu that will be available during the early matches. If the first morning game starts at 9am then the Tilted girls will be waiting to serve you at 8:30am. Get your footie feast on with French toast, breakfast burrito or corned beef hash. All noted items will be $9. Each of the Valley’s five locations will be serving various $3 drink specials during all soccer matches.

Yard House

Several Valley Locations

June 12^th through July 13^th

Yard House will be airing all matches live on their flat screen TV’s, all of which are visible from any seat in the restaurant. Be prepared to enjoy their extensive draft beer options and addictive appetizers. They will also be serving up Brazilian inspired cocktails including the Citrus Agave Caipirinha, the Brazilian Mai Tai and the Rio de Janeiro Mule. From the start of the first game to the final celebration, Yard House will be there for every kick.