Washington, D.C. - June 21, 2006

Goooaaalll!

World Cup Guide

World Cup fever is sweeping the nation. Okay, fine, every other nation. So we chatted with D.C. United’s MVP Alecko Eskandarian to help get us hyped about our nation’s 105th favorite pastime.

Watch It and Weep
If you actually want to watch the matches (shocker), Alecko recommends Summers, where all 64 games will be broadcast live (1520 North Court House Road, Arlington; 703-528-8278). Or check out Lucky Bar for beer, burgers, and quite possibly a futbol-worthy brawl (1221 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-331-3733).

Home Game
Host your hooligan friends at a World Cup Party. Carry out kabobs and gyros from Alecko fave Moby Dick. Wash it all down with beer: Deus Brut de Flanders for Belgium, Hitachino for Japan, Sans Culottes for France, Zywiec for Poland (Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits, 5544 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-363-4000).

Sing It Loud, Sing It Proud
Alecko says the best way to be a fan is by singing. (Apparently, they can hear you on the field.) Sing one for the U.S. team or, if you can’t carry a tune, just buy a CD. You won’t be able to get “Olé! Olé! Olé! Olé!” out of your head.

Wear It Well
Sporting team colors is a must. Don’t have a team? Choose a jersey based on your favorite hues (we won’t tell) (Soccer Kicks, 6019 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; 703-533-1667). Or support the British and Brazilian teams with jerseys from See NYC, which donates all proceeds to help the blind.

Continued Play
And if this only whets your appetite for soccer and celebration, watch D.C. United play at RFK and tailgate with the Screaming Eagles.

  Alfresco, Happy Hour