World Cup, Ibiza, Rest? maybe later

Well, a lot has happened in this little tournament since I made my purchase in Bath. Other than the boys getting knocked out by a fiesty side from Ghana it has been an absolute blast.

I was lucky enough to have a couple of my friends out here invite me along for the first game of the tournament, which of course was the USA v. England match. All I can say is that heads turned when I strolled into the sports bar with the American flag draped over my shoulders.

Behind all the banter the English folks are amazing sportsmans. There was plenty of talk thrown my way, but all good natured and pretty much everyone I met gave me a handshake or was more than eager to strike up a conversation about the match that was about to start. I was really impressed and don't ever remember feeling that safe walking into that stadium in the Bronx wearing my Johnny Franco jersey.

But the thing that I really loved is that these fans were downright rowdy. Everyone was jumping up and down, dancing, singing...the only sports atmosphere I have ever been in close to this was when the Giants were playing in the Superbowl. So, I got into it, and for the first time in my life I watched a full length soccer game on TV.

Right before kickoff one of the bigger bouncers approached me. I thought, "this should be interesting." He bent over and in an American accent said, "you got the right flag man, I'm from Chicago, lets do this," and at that moment, I knew I was good to go!

After 5 short minutes with the U.S. down 1-0 I was at the business end of classic English verbal abuse (all good natured! hah!). And when that U.S. shot bounced off the goalie's hand and went in to tie the game I must have jumped 4 feet in the air, it was AWESOME! The bouncer ran over and we went crazy celebrating. At one point I had the flag draped over both of our shoulders as we were jumping around and pumping our fists. I didn't see any other USA fans around, but I had a pretty good partner in crime here.

It was a great game even though the tie was a little disappointing but as the NY Post reported: "America 1, England 1: America Wins!" I was officially hooked.

I've watched as many games as possible (the big screen showing World Cup at the office helps).

This was the third game of the tourney; my British pal George and I both celebrating after England and USA won their respective games at the same time to make it through the first stage of the tournament.

I almost forgot, I fit in a quick trip to Ibiza, Spain last weekend. Work's been crazy, this was good timing.

Sometimes you just gotta relax!