The stage was set for this U.S.A. soccer game in the 2010 World Cup and the drama couldn’t have been more intense. The United States, after coming out with draws from both England and Slovenia, and having a winning goal mistakenly overruled that would have put them through, they needed to win this game against Algeria to move on to the knockout round. If the U.S. came out with a loss, or tie, it would have been a devastating.
Taking the day off from work to go the pub at 9:00AM to watch this event was just one of the factors that made the beer at Wolf’s 111 taste that much better. I think everyone needs to have an Arrogant Bastard Ale at ten in the morning at some point (assuming you are worthy, which you are not). I purposely selected only American beers, I also had a Lake Placid UBU Ale. The beer selection at Wolf’s 111 was excellent and the service matched. Aubrey was not only a great bar maid, but also a great fan in her Landon Donovan jersey. It is a complete 180 from when this place was the Old Chicago.
I’ve played soccer all my life and it is just one of those things that is in your blood. While some don’t get it, there are many of us who do. (I don’t get baseball, but I understand there are people who do.)
The U.S.A. and Algeria played for 90 minutes, with lots of shots (and even another U.S. goal that was incorrectly overruled) without any goals. The excitement in the bar would intensify at every opportunity, noise levels rising to a roar, and fading away on each missed attempt. It was like a rollercoaster with ascents and drops that grew higher each time and came more frequently. The atmosphere couldn’t be more intense, there was only 4 minutes left of stoppage time for the U.S. to make it it happen.
And it finally did happen. Donovan scores in the 91st minute. The roar grew and didn’t fade. Everyone was high-fiving with dozens of complete strangers. Not only was it a win to move on to the next round, the U.S. ended up winning their group overall.
The fans at Wolf’s 111 were great and Wolf’s had a great setup on the big screen with couches and tables for the fans. I usually only think of the small English towns where residents go down to the local pub to cheer on their home town football team, but right here, and everywhere across the U.S. this scene played out where US soccer fans found a place to watch their home team and support them, do or die.
Watch the speed game on ESPN to get up to speed if you missed it. The U.S. will play Ghana in the on Saturday, June 26 at 2:30 PM EST.
