Sudsy Facts About the Women's World Cup 2011

Sunday begins the sixth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup with Germany playing first time hosts and pre-tournament favorites. The United States (two-time winners and current #1 in the FIFA rankings), Brazil, Norway (one-time winner), and China are all regular contenders for the world's best.

Tomorrow we'll bring you part one of an incredible journey through all the WWC's host cities and the German beers that deliciously flow through them. Even if you can't make it to Germany this summer it's a must read for fans of German beer and the the women's game.

This guest post was written by Jobst Elster who lived in Germany for over 20 years and attended the 2006 World Cup there as well. He's also the head writer at his new site, The Real Futbol. You can follow him on Twitter, too

·         USA’s Kristine Lilly is the only player to have competed in all five editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. If the nearly 40 year old (as of July) is the oldie but goldie of the tournament than her brewskie of choice has got to be Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, a classic German wheat beer from the world’s oldest brewery (getting drunk since 1040).

·         Germany’s National Women’s squad has re-defined ‘dream(y) team’ with 5 members of its U-20 lineup recently posing for the German edition of Playboy. While the Fraueleins’ spread has done just that- spread the word on the sexy-side of the WWC, we were sorely disappointed to discover Hugh Hefner’s quenches his full-frontal thirst with (drum roll) Bavaria Premium Pils, a Dutch import and Heineken Mini-Me.

·         Of of the teams participating in 2011 only two will be coached by foreigners, the U.S. by Pia Sundhage, a Swede, and Canada by Carolina Morace from Italy.  That brings the total of foreign coaches from all WWC competitions to only five. In contrast, four of the five African teams in last year’s MWC were managed by foreigners and the highest profile one is undoubtedly Fabio Capello who leads England. What’s the cerveza tie-in? The Women’s game and the apparent loyalty to the domestic national coach reminds of the traditional German beer brewers and their strict adherence to the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516 limiting the ingredients used in the brewing process. Although the law has since been repealed, there’s something to be said for tradition (and clever marketing).

·         The number of participants in FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualifiers has almost tripled from 45 teams in 1991 to 122 in 2011. The number of qualification matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ has also risen considerably from 110 in 1991 to 355 in 2011. This translates to more beer being enjoyed by more men, women and children (no drinking age in many Asian and European countries) in more places.

·         While many experts are predicting the likes of Brazil, Germany, Sweden and the U.S. to run the table during the group stages and end up battling for the world cup trophy, the favorites based on  the all essential ‘per capita beer consumption’ measure stack up a little bit differently. According to a trusty Wikipedia entry, Germany is still king with 110 liters/per capita consumed, followed by Australia, England (well the UK) and the U.S. Beer enthusiasts should be thankful that neither the Czechs nor the Irish qualified for WWC because they rank one and two when it comes to global beer swilling.

Want more? Tomorrow we'll post part one of Tour de Bierland for the 2011 Women's World Cup.

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Germans Love the Free Beer Movement - Part 3

We've chronicled before the Germans' love affair for the FBM. Perhaps its because they're very interested in the growth of soccer in the United States, or more likely, they really, really, love their beer.

St. Pauli, newbies to the Bundesliga top flight this season have a knack for showing creativity with beer (and thusly were a large part of our 2010 "Persons of the Year" award). In an April Fool's Day match against Schalke they used said creativity to voice their displeasure over the refereeing during a 2-0 loss where St. Pauli saw a two players sent off and a disallowed goal for offsides.

One enterprising fan must have took the referee's poor game for hostility to the sport and thought he needed a free beer to warm up to the game. Two minutes from full time one of the match's linesmen was hit smack in the back of the neck with a full brew.

The Footage:

Free Beer Movement in action?

The center official didn't find his colleague's beer bath all too welcoming and abandoned the match and the German Football Federation also didn't have a sense of humor (and throwing things isn't all that cool so we kinda, sorta agree) decided that St. Pauli's next match would be played behind closed doors.

They delay in the ruling, however, allowed "the Pirates of the League" (yes, that's their real nickname... which we suppose makes loads more sense now) to catch one more match before the ban took effect for their next home match on April 23 against Werder Bremen. St. Pauli fans had a chance to show their "disagreement" with the league's ruling unveiling the above banner declaring (the line below) "Shut Up And Drink - Back of the Neck".

Apparently they thought the linesman would've appreciated the effort after a long match of screwing them over.

Our take?

Beer is a weapon of good and not evil. The brew probably would've been better served washing down the frustration with the match officials' calling of the game.

But.... 1000 bonus points for that banner. Maybe the "hooligans" with two beers for "Os" should be the next Free Beer Movemnt shirt...

[H/T to Dirty Tackle]

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Free Beer Movement's 2010 Persons of the Year

For 2010 there were so many heroes in the little world that we cover. Landon Donovan scored, perhaps, one of the most important and memorable goals in American soccer history, Sepp Blatter changed the course of the World Cup in the 21st century (for better or worse), Bob Bradley survived South Africa to remain head coach of the Men's National Team, and Cincinnati Bengal's wide receiver Chad OchoCinco wow'ed the world with his dream of playing for Barcelona. All worthy choices for the most influential people in the soccer world.

But, lest we forget that our humble little website has another master to satisfy when we consider the top person, people, or group of 2010. We cannot forget that beyond our place as the home for unabashed support for American soccer we are also enthusiastic supporters of beer. In our opinion, beer is what can (and will) make the American soccer world go 'round and grow it.

In that vein we announce the "2010 Free Beer Movement Persons of the Year".

Ladies and gentlemen... please give a rousing ovation to....

Hamburg (Germany) design agency Nordpol+!

(Silence.... Crickets....)

Alright... alright.... hold on just one second. Let's clear up the confusion. Let's set the stage for you all.

In Hamburg, Germany there is a wonderful little soccer club called FC St. Pauli and in 2010, after years in the lower tiers of German soccer, managed promotion and a return to the 1. Bundesliga.

Despite their middling success in German soccer St. Pauli is one of the most popular teams in the country and has grown into one of the nation's "kult" clubs.

Nordpol+ are huge St. Pauli fans and in conjunction with the club has re-designed some of the stands into a VIP arena of sorts. Normally when we think of "VIP" its overpriced food, watered down drinks, and stuffed shirts glad-handing each other instead of watch the match (maybe we're just jealous, though...).

The agency has converted an old hut previously used by the police and the stadium announcer into the best seats in all of global soccer. Straight from the stadium's kitchen runs a model train that, at five-minute intervals, delivers fresh bratwursts to the patrons in these seats. Underneath the "Heart Attack Express" are a series of small flat-screen TVs to follow the action when you collapse on the floor from clogged arteries.

Meat-tastic.

That train and the TVs are nice, but the real kicker (and why we're chosen them as our "persons of the year") is the third innovation Nordpol+ debuted in St. Pauli's stadium. Beer seats. The trifecta is complete.

Don't mind the brand of beer. We'll find a suitable
 (and better) replacement.

To be a little more specific, Nordpol+ has installed mini-kegs of beer ("pony kegs") under a dozen or so seats in the VIP area. Further evidence, as we've started before, that German's love the Free Beer Movement.

And we love the Germans and their innovation and their door-opening for American soccer. This, ladies and gentlemen, is why we've chosen Nordpol+ as our 2010 "Persons of the Year".

Soccer and the spread of the sport in the United States through the power of beer has just received a huge boost. For the soccer newbies that are skeptical of attending their first game the comfort of a beer offering is massive boost to willingness to be converted.

Nordpol+'s brilliance has the chance to break the Free Beer Movement wide-open stateside. Imagine Major League Soccer clubs sliding a keg under people's seats! No NFL, NBA, or MLB team can offer that. Pioneers in American sports fans' love of beer, MLS would rake in press coverage and new fans (brought in by beer, held onto with the product) beyond their wildest dreams.

We're willing to guess that this idea could've saved soccer in our city of Austin (ha!). But more seriously this type of fan-centric and imaginative type of marketing is just what American soccer needs. Lose the bouncy castles and bring in a bratwurst train. Ditch the cheerleaders and put some kegs nearby. Sports have plenty of children and perverts at them (hopefully not in the same place... mind you), why are we marketing to them?

Moving forward for American soccer means being bigger and bolder that the other major sports. It means marketing in a creative way and not trying to replicate the things that bring people to football, baseball, or basketball games. (It also means putting more stock in the home-grown talent each club has and less of the flash-in-the-pan-DPs.) It doesn't have to be risky, but silly sometimes works. That's why we have the Free Beer Movement.

Nordpol+'s laid out the path. We've even heard that they advertising agency is getting looks at installing similar sections in some of the stadiums of Germany's larger clubs. Their massively awesome idea is out there and ready to be taken up (and improved upon) by the great tradition of American innovation.

Beer and soccer. Together once again. Free Beer Movement-style.

American soccer.... your move.

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Who We're Buying a Beer For...

There's no coherent theme to this week's recipients of beer from the FBM. Honestly, we're not sure where you'd get the idea that anything we do here would be considered "coherent".

Anyways, we digress... here's this week's brew-worthy list:

1) Congressional Soccer Caucus

The four co-chairs [Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Mary Bono Mack (R-California), George Miller (D-California), and David Reichert (R-Washington)] of the CSC introducted a resolution in the United States House of Representatives earlier this month congratulating the USMNT for their qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The text reads as follows:

Whereas 2 goals by forward Conor Casey, 1 goal by midfielder Landon Donovan, 3 critical saves by goalkeeper Tim Howard, and an untiring effort by all players led to their ultimate victory; (Introduced in House)

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 8, 2009

Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mrs. BONO MACK, and Mr. REICHERT) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Congratulating the United States Men's National Soccer Team for securing a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Whereas, on October 10, 2009, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the United States Men's Soccer Team achieved an impressive victory over the Honduran Men's National Soccer Team by a score of 3 to 2 in its penultimate qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup;

Whereas 2 goals by forward Conor Casey, 1 goal by midfielder Landon Donovan, 3 critical saves by goalkeeper Tim Howard, and an untiring effort by all players led to their ultimate victory;

Whereas with its victory over the Honduran Men's National Soccer Team, the United States Men's Soccer Team has joined the national soccer teams from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Korea as the only teams that will have participated in all 6 FIFA World Cups since 1990, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa;

Whereas with its dramatic and emotional come-from-behind tie against the Costa Rican Men's National Soccer Team by a score of 2 to 2 on October 14, 2009, the United States finished in first place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings; and

Whereas the entire United States Men's National Soccer Team has demonstrated once again that United States soccer is on par with the level of soccer played in nations that claim it as their national sport: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the United States Men's National Soccer Team for its achievement in securing a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

If there are any Free Beer Movers in the districts of these four House members could you do us a favor and drop a beer off in their mailbox? Thanks.

2) Jens Lehmann
The former Arsenal and Germany number one has been featured on the FBM site before, but Lehmann's continued exploits in the German Bundesliga has him earning top honors as as a receiver of beer from us. We were going to buy him a beer last week for urinating during a match, but after his scuffle in a league game we think we should double our order.

First off is his ingenuity probably because of a few too many pre-game brewskies):



Second is his stupidity:

VfB Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann injured his knee in the incident that got him sent off in Sunday's Bundesliga match against Mainz, his club said on Monday.

Lehmann was shown the red card three minutes from time with his team leading 1-0, causing a penalty and allowing the hosts to grab a last-gasp equaliser.

Lehmann, 40, pushed striker Aristide Bance for no apparent reason and injured a ligament in the process, medical checks on Monday showed. He then ripped off a Mainz fan's glasses in a minor scuffle after the match.

If there was any footballer that needed the comforts of a nice, cold beer its the beleaguered Lehmann.

3) Everton Football Club and David Moyes

The Liverpool, England-based Everton FC finalized their three month loan deal for Major League Soccer and USMNT star Landon Donovan. The Los Angeles Galaxy player will head across the pond to give his European dream another shot in January.

Obviously, any playing time in one of the world's biggest leagues, the English Premier League is good news for Donovan and the profile of the American game. The experience against some of England's best players and teams will only improve the USMNT's chances against England in their opening game in the 2010 World Cup.

The FBM's only worry is the freshness and health of our Nats' best player. Our belief is that Donovan has the fitness to not allow his English vacation affect his domestic and international form. A fit LD is the key for the Yanks (or Sons of Liberty as we've pushed) to compete effecctivly this coming summer.

The real focus of our praise is on Everton and their manager David Moyes who've given Donovan this golden chances to prove himself in Europe again. Moyes was full of praise for the U.S.'s best player:

"Landon will certainly add pace, he is a good finisher."

Moyes added that Donovan's numerous accolades proves he will be a much needed addition to his side.

He added: "He was voted best player, yet again, in the American league and is captain of the USA national team. I need players who can hit the ground running, who I think can go into the team quite quickly and make an impact.

"With his experience and the goals he has scored, I am hoping he will be able to do that," he said.

Any good news for LD is good news for American soccer. Beers all around for Donovan's first goal in the colors of Everton!

As always we'd love to hear our readers' suggestions of who we should buy a beer for next week. Leave a comment in the comments section or shoot us an e-mail using the "contact" link at the top of the page (or click the link we just left for you!).

News Watch: Germans Continue to Love the Free Beer Movement

First it was Bayern Munich hosting their own "Free Beer Match Day" (What no pics guys? Shesh!).

Now it's Stuttgart's keeper Jens Lehmann (former German National Team and Arsenal #1) getting dropped by the first team because he attended Oktoberfest after a match this past weekend (thanks for Near Post Blog for the heads-up). What is with the Germans and free beer?

Much like Norm MacDonald's oft-quoted Saturday Night Live Weekend Update line "Germans love David Hasselhoff," I think pretty much everyone can agree that the Germans also love the Free Beer Movement (don't pay attention to the fact that we have no current German members).

I think that it's time the Free Beer Movement make Mr. Lehmann an "honorary" member of the Free Beer Movement for his actions this past week.

News Watch: Struggling German Giants Join Free Beer Movement

The Free Beer Movement has members in at least six countries and dozens of U.S. states, but this weekend we gained a very prestigious member in Germany. I don't think they know it yet, but German super-club Bayern Munich just joined the Free Beer Movement with this move:

"Fans of Bayern Munich, who have made their worst start to the Bundesliga for 43 seasons, will get a chance to drown sorrows before Saturday's (yesterday's) home match with champions VfL Wolfsburg.

The Bavarian club are to give away more than 7,000 litres of beer before the game as part of a sponsorship deal with a Munich-based brewery."

I'm assuming Landon Donovan mentioned us while he was over there on load last season.

Whether or not Bayern in conscious of their new "honorary" membership in the FBM it is a great reminder of the powerful combination of free beer and soccer. Even when you team is down and out, at any point in the season, free beer can do the trick.

So where ever you are in the world right now, find a game, bring some friends, and join the Germans and us in the Free Beer Movement!