With less than 24 hours to go before the biggest sporting event on the planet kicks off, there isn’t much time left to prepare.
Have you bought your car flag? Tested the horn? Can your friends fit through the sunroof on your car?
With the bars being allowed to serve starting at 10 a.m., stocking up on some gum might not be a bad idea. Or you simply might ask yourself, do I have enough sick days to cover the hangovers?
All pertinent questions to ask yourself as you get ready for the month-long celebration in Toronto.
Here is a quick guide of the best places in the city to watch the World Cup:
Want to Watch England?
If you’re downtown and pining to watch the Three Lions, head to either the Duke of Gloucester (649 Yonge St.) or Queen and Beaver (35 Elm St.) But if you’re not in the core, why not join every expat south of Sudbury as they gather at Scallywags (11 St. Clair Ave. W) to watch Wayne Rooney and the lot take on the U.S. this Saturday. With two floors and a rooftop patio covered with big-screen TVs, it’s easily the best place in the city to watch England. Just don’t be the wise guy who decides to cheer for America. You’re likely to get bottled by someone whose father was a bricklayer.
Want to watch Brazil or Argentina?
If you want to see something funny, ask any Brazilian what they think of Argentina. The twisting of their face in disgust is worth the trip to either Rio 40 (1256 St. Clair W.) or Vivid (1067 St. Clair W.) Both Brazilians and Argentinians will be sharing venues for the competition, so you’ll see plenty of flag waving and lots of singing. Argentina skipper Diego Maradona has promised to streak through the streets if he leads his country to a World Cup win. You can expect no less from the supporters along St. Clair.
Want to watch Italy?
There is no better place to watch Italy than Café Diplomatico (594 College St). Big screens line the patio, and the streets get flooded in celebration after a win. If the Dip is packed, mosey down the road a bit to Standard Pizza (667 College St.) — same crowd, different location. Both bars will be showing the non-Italian games throughout the World Cup, but save yourself some heckling and don’t fly your colours on an Italian game day.
Outposts of support
Want to watch Chile, Paraguay or Mexico?
• El Jacal (1056 Bloor West)
Want to watch Germany?
• The Blue Danube (1686 Ellesmere)
Want to watch Australia, Netherlands or New Zealand?
• Hemingways (142 Cumberland)
Want to watch Spain?
• Plaza Flamingo (423 College)
Want to watch Greece?
• Zorba’s (681 Danforth)
Want to watch Portugal?
• Cervejaria Downtown Bar-Grill (842 College St)
