Area still has World Cup fever

The World Cup semi-finals are almost set. And despite some early surprise upsets, the enthusiasm of soccer fans is undiminished. We caught up with some of them as they watched the Argentina-Switzerland game Tuesday afternoon.

Vasco Da Gama Futebol Clube is still riotous with World Cup fans, even though its heritage is Portuguese and that team has been eliminated.

Manuel Horta: “I still love soccer. It doesn’t matter who wins, I’ll still watch it. With a pain in my heart but I’ll watch it the same.”

Everyone who comes to watch this game is encouraged to try some Argentinian chori-pan with chimichurri.

“Chori pan. Good in my country, everybody in my country eat, everybody.”

In many ways the world cup is a celebration of culture and the bigger the expat community, the bigger the party.

Dennis Mahoney-Bruer from Stonewalls Restaurant found it was busier during the last World Cup in 2010: “When Argentina and Sweden plays, we’re not that busy. But when it’s Italy or Portuagal or the Netherlands, we’re really busy. Basically, it’s a reflection of the community.”

This year has seen some major upsets — starting with the ouster of defending champion Spain.

“Very surprised. I thought Spain, Italy, England would progress much farther. They didn’t.”

“I really liked the goal from Colombia.”

There have also been incredible athletic feats.

“We see so many goals this year, so it’s nice.”

Argentina is a contender to win this World Cup.

“All the way to the final guys! We’re going to dance tango in Brasilia.”

But they won’t be the only winners.

Dennis says: “Oh yeah, we make a lot of money. All kinds of drinks, food. People crazy. Love it, it’s money.”