Like every 2 years I am “suffering” from acute “soccer-fever”! Every 2 years it’s either time for the Euro Cup or World Cup of soccer. So as most of you already know, the FIFA World Cup 2010 is taking place in South Africa (kicked off Friday, June 11th with the opening game of Mexico vs. the host country South Africa). Due to the time difference however it is quite hard to make some time during the day to watch one or the other soccer game (South Africa local time the games are shown in the afternoon and evening hours). Nevertheless, I know that many of us will find the time, especially on weekends, and so I wanted to share some of the best spots in the Sanford/Lake Mary area to watch the games.

Carlos & Charlies, Lake Mary:

We watched the opening game here yesterday. I LOVE the big screen and the specials offered: $.50 wings and $2 tacos. There are also several smaller screens throughout the restaurant/bar. Not bad at all! Carlos & Charlies will be showing all the games that start at or after at 10am. I am expecting the weekends to be quite crowded so you better be there early enough to get a good spot. We will definitely be watching a lot of the games here…

951 MARKET PROMENADE AV – Lake Mary, FL 32746 – (407) 333-3482

Here is more info about it.

The Willow Tree Cafe, Sanford:

Yay! Finally my favorite German restaurant also shows Germany’s favorite sport! And best of all: Theo has installed 3 brand new flat-screen TVs and will be showing ALL the games, including the ones starting at 7:30am. During those games he will be offering a breakfast menu. Especially the Germany games will be a total blast here, because, let me tell you, Germans really do love their soccer! We got a taste of it yesterday as we watched the recording of the France vs Uruguay match and it was a great experience. Reservations are highly recommended if you want to be able to actually sit down in the Fan Zone while sipping a delicious cool German beer.

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe – 205 East 1st Street – Sanford, FL 32771 – (407) 321-2204

Liam Fitzpatrick’s, Lake Mary

Liam Fitzpatricks also offers several flat screen TVs from where you will be able to follow the World Cup matches. We will definitely also watch some of the games here, I like the cool atmosphere. Liam is also open for ALL games so if you work in the area just swing by on your way to work for some soccer fun! More info can be found here.

Liam Fitzpatrick’s – 951 Market Promenade Avenue – Lake Mary, FL 32746 – (407) 936-3782

Friendly Confines, Lake Mary

Friendly confines just opened its doors last month in the former location of Caddies Pub (Park Place at Heathrow Plaza, next to Watson Realty). Plenty of TVs will ensure that you won’t miss a minute of your favorite matches and there even is an outside patio with big screen TV (which I will check out sometime this week). This is Friendly Confines third location in the Orlando area. Here is more info about them.

And now, back to soccer… Looking forward to watching USA vs England today at 2:30pm and Germany vs. Australia on Sunday! Who are you rooting for?