Panama, (and the rest of the world) is bracing for the biggest show on earth, the planet’s most watched sporting event and a cornucopia of nationalist fervor, partying and mourning. 

Panama’s restaurants and bars will rediscover Christmas in June/July as they plan special events for the anticipated rush of fans of the 32 teams that have fought their way to the final stages of the World Cup over the last four years.
National loyalties come in to play when football’s top teams do battle. Even those who believe football is a throwing game played by men wearing suits of leather armor, will get involved when the United States will take the field in Group C. Their  first match will be on Saturday June 12 against England, strongly favored to top that group.

The top 2 teams in each group will move into the last 16 with England having a favorable draw that could take them to the semi finals. On a recent visit to England I found pubs and homes decorated with flags, posters and banners, weeks before the opening  as fans prepared for the battles.

Even the Welsh and Scots will be supporting the Cross of St George. But it’s not over until the fat lady sings, even in ‘football'. Oh okay! ‘Soccer’ if you will. 
Whatever you call it, it's the world's biggest sporting spectacle which attracted 26.29 billion viewers at the last World Cup in Germany.
Viewing times for Brits, and their pubs will be better than for Panamanian fans. The first game each day will be at 12.30 p.m. local time and the last at 7.30.
In Panama the games will be shown at 6.30 a.m.,  9 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.. Some establishments will cater to the 9 a.m. crowd who will be reporting in sick, but most barswill stick to filling tables and counters for the 1.30 game, and show replays of the earlier games.
Latin America is strongly represented by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and Chile with most local support going to Brazil, hot favorites among many locals,(not including Brits, and most Europeans) with Spain a close second.
Spain, which heads into most World Cups with high hopes, has a reputation for fading under the world spotlights, and Argentina scraped into the last 32 with many calling for the former coke head, “Hand of God” Maradona. Meanwhile Mexico had a shock win over reigning world Champions Italy, who in the last World Cup Final, defeated France in a controversial game.

Stand by for a month of drama, on and off the field, and watch your friends and neighbors switch allegiances as their early favorites are defeated. The final which last time around drew  over 715 million viewers across the world, will be in Johannesburge on Sunday July 11 (1.30 p.m.).

The final game

EARLY SCHEDULES

For British and American supporters Saturday June 12, will be the big day. with the 1.30 game between England and the United States. 

England is loaded with superstars, but will be keeping an eye on the US top scorer Landon Donovan.Other weekend games will be:

Friday June 11, 1.30 p.m. Uruguay vs France.
Saturday June 12, 6.30 a.m. Korea vs Greece; 9.00 a.m. Argentina vs Nigeria; 
Sunday June 13, 6.30 a.m. Algeria vs Slovenia; 9.00 a.m. Serbia vs Ghana; 1.30 p.m. Germany vs Australia.
England and the US play their second games on Friday, June 18.

Some 24 of the games are available only on special channels (for which you will have to pay extra) but you will be able to cheer on your team and join in the celebrations, or mourning, by visiting your local hostelry. Here are some early announced options. If you hear of more that you feel should be listed send an e.mail to dyoung@newstoompanama.com

WHERE TO WATCH
Newly minted Oldies is making its World Cup Debut with what owner Dan Rosen (A Holland supporter)   hopes will be the biggest show in town. The restaurant-pub’s regular 46 screens will be supplemented by three giant video beam screens in a specially constructed roofed viewing centre that will hold 200 seats. An additional 200 will be accommodated in the regular dining rooms and bar.
All 1.30 p.m. games will be shown live followed by replays of the earlier game. A special fast service menu including ceviche, giant cheeseburgers and ribs, choripan along with sauces prepared by King of the Sauces, chef Cesar.
There will be no service charge, but customers will be expected to spend $10 a head during their visit. When advance reservations are made there will be a non-refundable deposit of $15 so be sure to turn up.
Oldies is on Calle 39, which is the road leading from Avenida Balboa to the National Hospital. It can also be reached by traveling from Justo Arosemena alongside San Tomas Hospital and taking the first turning left by the College of Lawyers. For reservations call 225-5701 or 225-1191
 Rincon Aleman On Calle 51,will be the unofficial headquarters of German, Swiss and Danish expat supporters.

Mein host Fritz plans to open at 8 a.m. for the opening ceremonies on Friday June 11,followed by the first game at Soccer City Stadium when host country S. Africa takes on Mexico, buoyed by their recent victory over Italy.
A special hearty breakfast including specially imported German sausages will be available. More details will be available after a Monday (June 7) press conference.
Bennigans will also be a big viewing center.
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