Join Ireland's immigrant communities in support of teams that still have a hope of winning this year, writes
DAVIN O'DWYER
FOR FOOTBALL fans, the World Cup induces a unique, giddy thrill - the sense that just once every four years, the whole planet is collectively entertained by a single, month-long drama. For Irish football fans, yesterday was a bittersweet occasion, with the emphasis on bitter. Seeing France line up against Uruguay last night rekindled that justifiable anger we all felt in November, and anybody who suggests we get over it obviously hasn't devoted enough of their lives to supporting the boys in green.
There is a football tournament to be enjoyed, however, and one way of unburdening ourselves of that sense of frustration and unfairness is to follow another team. Now, following another team means more than putting a bet on a hotly tipped country or plucking a random nation in the sweepstakes. To enjoy this World Cup, you've really got to invest yourself in your new country's journey, and what better way than to seek out some of your honorary compatriots and see how they do it.
Thankfully, we still have immigrant communities living in Ireland whose countries are at the World Cup so don't let the opportunity pass - pick a country and go for it, heart and soul. You may even thank Thierry Henry if your adoptive country goes on to win the thing. Here are a few strong possibilities, and where you might find their supporters.
AFRICAN TEAMS:South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Algeria
Where:Melody Bar, Capel Street, Dublin 1 (01-8788988)
This is Africa's first World Cup, and there will be a lot of people hoping an African country can buck the odds and go all the way. Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon are traditionally strong, while Ivory Coast probably have the most talented squad, with or without Didier Drogba. Olatunji Idowu of the Nigeria Association Network said representatives of the various African communities in Ireland would gather in the Melody Bar on Capel Street for the opening ceremony and match yesterday, and the venue will continue to show matches on its big screen throughout the tournament. Valerie, a waitress there, believes her native Cameroon can win the tournament, and they do have one of the nicer draws. Cameroon it is then.
Brazil
Where:The streets and pitches of Gort, Co Galway; The Sugar Club, Leeson Street, Dublin 2; thesugarclub.com, 01-6787188
Brazil are perennial World Cup favourites, and pretty much every football fan has a fondness for the boys in yellow, so following them shouldn't be a stretch. Over the past few months, our Samba capital of Gort has seen a huge decline in the number of Brazilians living there, but there will still be plenty of house parties for each match, and public jubilation every time Kaka and co win.
A six-a-side tournament in the town on June 26th, in support of the local Coole FC team, will have a Brazilian World Cup theme and hopes to attract a large number of Ireland's Brazilian community.
In the capital, the Sugar Club on Leeson Street will screen each match, followed by a Brazilian band, DJs and Brazilian food, according to Gustavo Barbosa of Brazil for All, a Brazilian community group. They sure make it easy to support them, that much is true.
South Korea
Where:Hop-House, Parnell St, Dublin 1; hophouse.ie, 01-8728318
Lots of Irish people have taught and worked in South Korea, which tends to leave an enduring loyalty to the place, and they can join Dublin's Korean community at the most authentic kimchi restaurant in Ireland, the Hop-House on Parnell Street.
According to its owner, Hyoung Hee Lee, they will be serving their tasty Korean food after showing today's lunchtime game on a big screen, and she also expects members of the South Korean embassy to come along. There aren't too many North Koreans in Ireland, understandably, so any potential awkwardness is likely to be avoided when Kim Jong-il's favourite team play Brazil next Tuesday.
Italy
Where:Pinocchio, Ranelagh;
flavourofitaly.ie, 01-4970111
Last time around, Italy lifted the trophy and a raucous street party made Temple Bar Square feel like Trastevere. The large number of Italians in Ireland means it shouldn't be difficult to adopt the Azzurri anywhere in the country, with many restaurants planning on showing the Italian games.
Pinocchio in Ranelagh will be projecting every game in the tournament onto the wall of their cosy restaurant underneath the Luas stop. Their quality food, wine and coffee will make it a haven for people who want to catch the action somewhere other than their living room or the pub. Tables can be booked for dinner and a match, and expect plenty of grappa to be consumed every time Italy win.
Slovakia
Where:Czech Inn, Essex Gate, Temple Bar; czech-inn.org, 01-6711535
The Slovakian community is the third largest in Ireland, according to Maros Karabinos of the Slovak Centre, which celebrates Slovak Cultural Week this week, as well as encouraging people to catch their games at the Czech Inn.
Aren't the Czechs and Slovaks bitter rivals? "More when we play them in ice hockey," insists Vaclav Novotly, the Czech manager of the Czech Inn. "Many of our regular customers are Slovakian, and we'll have traditional food and beer for the games."
After a strong qualification campaign and a reasonable group, Slovakia might be a good bet. Plus, they're great fun and they have lovely beer, which seals the deal.
Australia & New Zealand
Where:Wool Shed, Parnell Street, Dublin 1; woolshedbaa.com, 01-8724325
This isn't the rugby world cup, thankfully, so we can safely support either Antipodean nation without having to endure the insufferable arrogance of the average Wallabies or All Black supporter.
The perfect place to consume a pitcher of Fosters is the Wool Shed, the quintessential backpackers' bar that always attracts crowds of international supporters for a whole range of sporting events. General manager Colette Lenehan says as well as the Aussies and Kiwis, the Wool Shed is a home from home for Danish and Argentinian fans, among others. Its stadium-like stand seating can be booked online in advance for a guaranteed good view of the big screens.
It's unlikely either country will get out of their respective groups, but that's hardly the prime motivation for supporting them, now, is it?