July 11 - World Cup Fever

I must admit that when Spain was eliminated by Russia in the first round of single elimination play in the 2018 World Cup, I was a little disappointed.  I had visions of celebrating great soccer success with the locals as the whole country cheered on their national team.  With Spain out, it is still possible to see signs outside of bars on nearly every street offering TV viewing of the games - but only the extreme soccer fans and the expats with teams still in the tournament are really excited.  Well today, England is playing Croatia in the second semifinal- and with 3 of my 6 classmates from England and one other an extreme soccer fan - I wasn't sure we were going to make it to 7:30 (the game started at 8).  After class, the four of them nearly sprinted out of the building in an effort to get a good seat at one of the bars at the Alameda de Hercules where the game was being shown on large outdoor screens.  Hundreds of 20 somethings drinking cheap beer and cheering on their soccer team probably would have been fun, but not as fun as going home and hanging out with Albert and watching the game in our living room.  There is a square right up the street from us that has a large outdoor screen - it was full as well.

As I write this, Croatia has just scored a goal in the second overtime period.  Unless something extraordinary happens, I think the England fans may be finished with their World Cup excitement as well.