You could cross enemy lines for the US-Italy match and head to Caffe Paradiso in the North End (255 Hanover Street). It already boasts an enthusiastic group of regulars to watch Italian Serie A matches, as well as other international fixtures, and they expect a large audience for the World Cup. The place should be electric, but if you really want to kick things up a notch, try to start a conversation about the Italian match-fixing scandal that has implicated several members of the national team, including star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Technically the Cactus Club (939 Boylston Street) isn’t exactly authentic Mexican — at least, not judging by the clientele (there are not that many backwards caps in all of Mexico City). But if you want to see America’s archrivals crash and burn, you might as well do so while holding a margarita. (You might want to keep your pro-Iran cheers to a minimum, however, when they go up against Mexico on June 11.)
Mexico will be facing off against Portugal in group play to determine once and for all which is the better country. The match takes place on June 21, and which side you support is entirely up to you. Just don’t root for Mexico. Boston has precious few genuine Portuguese eateries, but one is O Cantinho Café (1128 Cambridge Street). Although it doesn’t boast the most impressive setup compared with some of the larger establishments (there’s a single TV in the corner), you’ll likely meet up with an abundance of partisan supporters while you munch on your mista grelhada.
The Dutch are another strong favorite this year, fielding one of their best sides since Johan Cruyff led the 1974 edition to the finals. Reader, we looked high and low for a Dutch establishment in Boston and had no luck. We might suggest, hypothetically, replicating the experience of most Amsterdam residents: lock yourself in a dark room with some close friends, watch the games wearing your best orange T-shirt, and “drink some coffee,” if you get our drift.
On the Web
Jacob Wirth: http://www.jacobwirth.com
Roggies: http://www.roggies.com
The Green Briar: http://www.greenbriarpub.com
Kinvara: http://www.kinvarapub.com
Ipanema Brazilian Grill: http://www.ipanemabraziliangrill.com
The Plough and Stars: http://www.ploughandstars.com
Phoenix Landing: http://www.myspace.com/phoenixlanding/
Gillette Stadium: http://www.gillettestadium.com
Caffe Paradiso: http://www.caffeparadiso.com
Cactus Club: http://www.bestmargaritas.com
O Cantinho Café: http://www.atasca.com/ocantinho/
FIFA World Cup: http://www.fifaworldcup.com
US Soccer: http://www.ussoccer.com
The First Eleven: http://thefirsteleven.co.uk
