Happy One Year Anniversary "Go Go USA"

Yeah... that was a nice moment.

Almost lost in all the run-up to the Gold Cup Final on Saturday versus Mexico is the fact that today is the one-year anniversary of LD's epic last minute (second?) goal against Algeria to propel the USMNT to the top of the group and the knock-out rounds of the 2010 World Cup.

Just a few videos from that momentous day.

Where were you when Donovan scored?

Ian Darke:


Andres Cantor:



From the Stadium, Reverse Angel from TV camera (never seen this before!):


The World Reacts:


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VIDEO: "Bring It To Our Country" - Go USA Bid's Latest Commercial

GoUSABid.com continues to release video after fantastic video promoting America's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. This one is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman (who seems to be THE narration authority).




Sign the petition to bring the World Cup back to the United States.

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Sign the Petition to Bring the World Cup to the United States!

From the GoUSABid website:

No nation embodies the values and spirit of the FIFA World Cup™ quite like the United States.

Whether you choose to call it soccer, football, or futbol, it is a game that, in so many ways, tells our nation's story.

It is a game where individuals shine through participation, talent and creativity—but team success results from hard work, sacrifice and dedication to a common cause.

It is a democratic game that requires nothing more than a ball, a patch of ground and the passion to play.

It is the world's game, and America, with its rich diversity, is a uniquely globalized nation. We are the world's melting pot, and we have brought the game with us from every corner of the earth.

This is why the game has captured the imaginations of so many Americans and continues to grow at an astonishing pace. It is in our schoolyards and stadiums, our church parking lots and cornfields, our back alleys and beachfronts, pulsing through our cities and suburbs and countryside alike.

The game has grown and never before has there been an opportunity to unify all the diverse passions that live within our borders.

The game is everywhere. The game is in US. We are Americans and we are ready to welcome a FIFA World Cup™ that makes the game part of the everyday social consciousness of our country.

Sign the Petition TODAY to help bring the World Cup to the United States. There will never be a bigger Free Beer Movement opportunity like this!




Source: GoUSABid.com

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The Game Is In US: Sign the Go USA Bid Petition

In a nation of 300 million and one that nearly 25 million watched the World Cup Final if we're serious about wanting to bring that experience home to the United States...

Please show your support for bringing the world's greatest sporting event back to America by signing the GoUSABid petition at their site.

Think free beer helps our sport? Try free beer + the World Cup!



Head over to GoUSABid.com and sign the petition and join the almost 1 million people in saying "The Game Is In US"


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Basketball Will Never Be America's Sport

A LeBron James poster in downtown Cleveland, Ohio from a Nike

advertising campaign to get American's interested in basketball.

LeBron, who?

NBA, what?

I'll admit it I was fascinated for a time with this whole free-agent saga in the National Basketball Association, a professional basketball league in the United States. All these players that I've never heard of, competing to play for all these teams that I've also never heard of. It was quite the spectacle!

But I grew weary. By Thursday evening the highest profile player of this little basketball-league-that-could, one Mr. LeBron James, who had played for a team called the "Cavaliers" of Cleveland, pulled off quite the "cavalier" move and jumped ship for the sunny beaches of South Florida to play for the "Heat" of Miami. He joins "D-Wade" and a guy named "Boch" to make them some sort of Three Musketeers of basketball.

This was all televised by the so-called Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN. All week they had been hyping this sports history moment, but it all felt artificial. Here the network that was the home of Monday Night Football, "Soccer Night in America", and College Football Game Day was forcing basketball down the throats of millions of mainstream sports fans with the dramatic, televised three-ring circus that was dubbed, "The Decision".

I've made my decision.

Basketball is boring.

It is a children's sport. Sure millions of kids play the sport growing up, but after that they're off to the soccer fields to play a real sport. I mean... what kind of sport only lets five kids play at a time?

There are players who's names I can barely pronounce. Dirk Nowitzki? Manu Ginobili? 姚明 (Yao Ming)? These names are giving my spell-check a headache!

Third, the diving. Oh, the diving! Players flopping about the court, looking for phantom fouls to give their teams the advantage they don't deserve. So unprofessional!

Fourth, the rules. They are so confusing! Two-points for some baskets and three-points for others. Then sometimes only one-point. Make up your minds, people! I have seen easy shots worth three-points and hard ones worth only two-points. It is like they are trying to make a scoring show out of everything. Make goals worth ONE. End of debate.

Fifth... two words: Thunder Sticks. One word: annoying. I can hardly make it through and entire match with out hearing the incessant banging of two inflated bars slapped together. I am told it is a part of America's basketball culture, but it made it very hard to watch the game on TV. I'm just glad I wasn't at the stadium! Perhaps NBA Comissioner David Stern should have listened to all of those critics before the Finals and banned them then maybe more Americans would be willing to watch the games.

Lastly, basketball is America has no history. The sport is barely 100 years old. Invented by throwing a ball through some peach baskets. Real complicated. Soccer has been played in the Americas since ancient Native tribes kicked around shrunken heads for religious ceremonies. Even modern soccer dates back to the time of baseball's creation during the Civil War. Names like Bethlehem Steel Corp and the Fall River Marksmen and Portland Timbers ring true through sports history unlike such laughably short-historied clubs like the Oklahoma City "Thunder" and the Toronto "Raptors". Are there any Raptors in Canada? My point exactly.

I tried. I really did. The NBA Finals, the end-of-the-season tournament that determines the world's champions of basketball (despite it being played only in America), was interesting. Apparently the two teams, the "Lakers" of Los Angeles and the "Celtics" of Boston (named after the storied soccer club from Scotland to try an catch some of their magic) faced off against each other. In seven games of action, the Lakers took the "crown" and Kobe Bryant is now considered one of the game's greatest players.

Where was this James character? Should your "finals" feature the games greatest players? If he deserves an hour-long, reality TV-like special shouldn't I have seen him showing his stuff against the best competition?

Soccer's World Cup never has this problem. Unless injured almost all of the world's (and this time we mean the whole world) best players are on display. And at least American's recognize their best players. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard are all household names among your average beer-swilling American.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Is that even a real name?

So now the Miami Heat are the favorites to win the NBA Title. Will Americans begin to care about this sport? For a few days in June and July Americans turned their eyes towards American basketball, but will it last?

The World Cup Final is this Sunday and Major League Soccer All-Star game will be in a few weeks against a real world champion Manchester United. The United States National Team will face Brazil in August just as the new NBA season kicks off.

Will Americans even notice?

"NBA: Where Amazing Happens?"

Yawn.

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We Have An Opportunity.... Embrace It

Today's the day of the World Cup Final. Four years of hard work will finally pay off for one team.

Either Spain or the Netherlands will lift the World Cup trophy for the first time in their long and storied histories.

As Americans we are bystanders to this global phenomenon that is soccer. This year we saw our own National Team reach amazing heights only to fall short in our hopes and dreams. Our time will come, but today we enjoy the beauty that is the final chapter in this 2010 World Cup.

We saw this year that, perhaps, this was the watershed moment for the sport in the United States. Millions watches in wonder as Landon Donovan and company brought us to the brink and back over and over.

In American we have many choices when it comes to our sports, our heroes, our hard-earned dollars that we spend as fans. Yes we have our baseball, football, basketball... but there's room for one more sport in our heart.

Today take your friends and family to where ever the World Cup in playing.

Invite your best friend who is your best friend despite not understanding the sport that you love. Take them to the bar.

Invite your neighbor who has time and time again heard your screams of joy from across the property line. Bring them into your home.

Invite your family, the ones that supported you as a kid playing even though they never fully got the rules. Gather around the television.

These are the moments that we build soccer in America.

Beer helps, too.

So will this:



Oh Martin Sheen... you're voice over makes everything make sense!
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Going Suds Up: The Best Soccer, The Best Beers

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent

After tomorrow, it will all be over. The thrills, the chills up the spine, the vuvuzelas buzzing, the waving flag anthem, John Harkes’ banal commentary, Pulpo Paul, having to watch Nike’s “Write the Future” ad over and over…

Some of the elements of the World Cup will be missed more than others. But what won’t be missed is being able to watch football, and talk about football, nearly every day. It will be four long years before soccer fans have a full month to obsess once again. So don’t take Sunday’s match lightly, boys and girls. Revel in it. Grab your friends and head to a bar, or even better, bring them over, ask them the following questions, and, based on their responses, hand them these beers, specifically chosen to perfectly complement the Holland versus Spain World Cup 2010 Final:

Do you love wearing bright orange? Are you struggling to come to terms with early onset male pattern baldness? Do you just enjoy the idea of having legal access to marijuana? If so, you’ll be supporting Holland on Sunday. The Oranje haven’t made it to the final in over thirty years, so supporters have plenty of reason to celebrate.

Raise a glass (preferably a lager glass) of Anderson Valley "Summer Soltice" Cerveza Crema to commemorate the occasion. This is a honey-orange beer that won’t clash with your kit, with a fluffy head that takes quite a while to fall, rather like Arjen Robben. Cerveza Crema is AV’s summer brew and it fittingly tastes like a grownup version of a creamsicle, with just enough spicy hop to keep it balanced. Whether you’re seeking comfort after yet another display of poor decision making from Robin van Persie, or rejoicing when Wesley Sneijder manages to score a header despite being only four feet tall, this is the perfect beer to have at hand.

Do you regularly swoon in the presence of men who look as though they model Maybelline mascara? Is red your best color? Are you in the habit of eating dinner after 11pm? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you’ll be pulling for Spain on Sunday. Although La Fura Roja are the reigning European Champions and are considered one of the top footballing nations in the world, this is the first time they’ve participated in a World Cup final.

This match has the potential to be a whole lotta sweet or a whole lotta sour for them, so bring out the Lindemans Framboise and pour it in your best champagne flutes. Lambics are known for being great starter beers for people who believe they don’t like beer—and, as much as I hate to generalize about my gender, much of the time it’s the ladies who believe they don’t like beer. So while they’re drooling over the tasty cupcakes of the Spanish squad, pass them a glass of this deep red liquid, with a pink head and plenty of rising bubbles. The taste is of fresh raspberries, but it packs a tart punch as well. Both sweet and sour, it reflects the sensation felt while watching Spain pass pass pass pass pass pass pass pass pass missthechanceongoal. But there’s a beauty to balance, both in beer and in football, and this balanced lambic is befitting of Spain’s equally balanced squad.

About Kirsten:

Ever since Brazil caught my eye during the 1994 World Cup I’ve considered myself a soccer fan, but it wasn’t until the summer 2008 that I decided to find a club. I focused on the Premier League and eventually chose Aston Villa. Initially drawn in by the pretty clarets and blues, I found I liked their organization, their owner and their manager. I fell hard and now it’s too late—I can’t give them up. As for MLS, that was easy, as I live in Seattle. I also support Exeter FC, SSC Napoli, FC Koln, Estudiantes Tecos and Tooting & Mitcham FC, all for a variety of reasons including cider, tattoos, scarves, owls, and a soccer player texting while on the pitch. I’m the Managing Editor of SB Nation’s Aston Villa site, 7500 to Holte. I also will be contributing to Two Footed Tackle after the World Cup.

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Perspectives: A Nation of Soccer Fans

(Editor's Note: Occasionally we'll examine the state of the American soccer nation and other stories in the soccer world in a series of editorial pieces called "Perspectives". It seemed particularly important that we do so at this moment, right after the end of the U.S.'s run in the World Cup. Please leave your feedback in the comments section. )

There will be plenty of time to examine the Xs and Os of the U.S. National Team's downfall against Ghana in the Round of 16 (not here... we don't do that) and to begin the debate over the next coach of the Yanks (also not here.... we don't like fights), but in the immediate aftermath of the Americans' exit from the 2010 World Cup one thing is crystal clear; the United States of America is a nation of soccer fans.

Now we're not quite a "soccer nation" yet. That's an important distinction. In fact it's certainly possible that we never become a soccer nation (and that's fine really... just like we're not a baseball nation or football nation). But this South African odyssey for the Americans has proven that their fellow countrymen have the stomach (and nerves) to support eleven men kicking a ball about.

The YouTubes of celebrations around the nation, the massive ratings for all the U.S. group games and the match against Ghana (19 million viewers on ABC and Univision), plus the dedicated following the Nats brought to South Africa (we think an under-reported angle) proves that there is strong (and growing) following for soccer in this nation. The key understanding is that soccer is ALREADY big in the United States. Those looking for the "it" moment don't know what they're looking for because it has already happened (Jason Davis at MatchFitUSA examined something similar a few weeks back.).

Soccer fans have been living in the shadows for quite some time now and in 2010 the sun shown brightly upon them. For the better part of the last decade and a half we've been building our ranks whether nationally through supporter's groups like Sam's Army, the American Outlaws, locally with our Major League Soccer franchises, or internationally as fans wrest themselves from their slumber on Saturdays and Sunday mornings using our TVs and computers to slash the distance between them and their European clubs.

In light of the National Team's elimination from the World Cup the naysayers will, of course, have their day, but unlike the previous decade of "soccer will never become big in the United States" or "soccer is boring" cookie-cutter columns they will have to frame their arguments in a much different way. Probably a task too big for most of these dinosaurs, but a guy can wish. I won't get my hopes up though.

Honestly (without turning this editorial into media criticism), the only way the traditional old media can continue their soccer bashing is by moving to goal posts (American football metaphor! Ironic, huh?) further back to discredit soccer's growth. They'll moan that soccer hasn't arrived until the MLS does X or the National Team accomplishes Y. The reality is that this argument is old, tired, and as extinct as most of their jobs will be if they don't adapt to the new storylines in sporting culture. Anti-soccer columns will continue to be written, but they'll fall farther and farther into the margins as the landscape shifts from underneath them. As soccer becomes a regular mainstay in the American consciousness they will be forced to cover this game just as any other major sport calls for coverage within their yellowing pages.

And clearly soccer is not a "boring" sport. This has never been a valid argument; only a strawman for critics to construction to lead non-soccer fans to drink the anti-soccer haterade. As a larger and larger cross-section of American is exposed to soccer (hopefully through the power of free beer!) this empty insult loses more and more validity. Low scoring matches are not devoid of action as this charge is the worse kind of "book-cover-judging" that poor sports journalism can muster up.

The efforts of our boys in red, white, and blue, the whole rest of the lot in this year's World Cup, and, yes, even our domestic league proved time and time again that, between the whistles, soccer is an action-packed, end-to-end, heart-pounding affair. To argue otherwise is to fundamentally not understand the sport of soccer; one that is predicated upon the excitement of the anticipation of scoring and the release when it does actually happen.

This World Cup was not the "it" moment of American soccer. This sport's fans have been at the front of a quiet revolution, steadily laying a foundation for when, like this summer 2010, the upward movement of this nation's team exposed the teeming, coursing, cheering support that soccer has here, exploded out of it's long-contained box and into the mainstream. It could not be kept back. It cannot be put back away.

Soccer in American is here. And it is here to stay. Get used to it.

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South African Stories #4: Stephen on Location

Our "Senior South African Correspondent", Stephen Craig, is on the ground in South Africa and here's his fourth update. Stephen is a member of American Outlaws: Austin Chapter.

This country is in heat!

I have to start off with the following. This country is completely on fire all of the time. Every time we go out and about and come home there is a grass fire close to the house. Thank god all the grass is finally burned. Even when driving into Joburg or Sandton you can see this haze of grass fire smoke over everything. It is very dry here. I have to put a bottle of water next to the bed just to pull off of as the night goes on. They say about 30% humidity is not out of the ordinary this time of year. They also have a very slow fire brigade. There really is no volunteer fire department so you have to put it out your self or wait for the brigade. That could take an hour at least so by then your house could be toast.


6/19/2010 - Mmmmmm..... Moroccan!

Let’s go back a couple of days. We were pretty tired after the Slovenia game on the 18th so we didn’t get organized for quite a while. Ben and Natalie asked if we wanted to meet at a Northern African style restaurant called Moyo. We looked it up on the GPS and headed into town. When we arrived at Melrose Arch we where a little confused. We quickly called Ben and he said that there were two Moyo restaurants and one was in Melrose Arch. They turned around and we just decided to meet in the square at MA. It was a great place to hang out and the square was fantastic.

We went into Moyo and it was really quite cool. We went down 3 levels to get to our table. It was like being in a cave and a Moroccan style restaurant. It was simply beautiful. Ben had to split by six to set up for his party. We decided to pass up the party (I’m kind of glad because it went on until 5 am according to Ben) because we had to get up kind of early to head to the African market in Rosebank. We then headed out to the suburbs to meet up with Evan and Nikki. This is the young couple that Nigel, Kellie, and Esfan met while I was fighting fires a few days earlier. After much driving and many phone calls we made it to their house and had a nice braai (pronounced bry, it's a South African BBQ) and many glasses of wine. We made it home by midnight so I was glad we could get in bed at a decent hour.

6/20/10 - South African Beers and Steaks

The next day we got up bright and early and loaded into the clown car and followed Alison into town. We arrived at the African market in Rosewood and strolled around and did some shopping. This gave Kellie a little time away from the boys to do her own thing. The market was attached to a really nice mall so Nigel, Esfan and I walked around and then found a pub/restaurant for beers and wine.

The beer here is not the best in my opinion, but Ben introduced us to Hansa Marza Gold. To me it is the best beer so far. I keep trying the Windhoek, but I just don’t like it. Now the wine here is top notch. We are all slowly turning into winos. Kellie met us for lunch and we had some good food. Now here is the difference in steak in SA and in Texas. They eat a rump steak and always put a sauce on it. One of the sauces is even called Monkey Gland. Ah…no thanks.

There's a way we can fit this in the living room, right?

The meat is good but it is not marbled like a rib eye. It's not bad, its just different, and that is what its all about when you travel. After the dinner we headed back to Melrose Arch (just a really cool area) and went to the second square with a big screen. Nigel and Esfan got us seats at a restaurant called Grand Central. The table was on the second floor overlooking the square so we could watch the games and do some great people watching. Our new Mexican friends Mauricio and Diego met us as well as Nick and we all had a good time just hanging out. We all headed back to the lodge and had a pretty fun dinner seeing we were all pretty primed. Alison bought a bottle for Findlandia Vodka for the young Finnish couple and they kindly let us all take a few shots of it. By the end of the last game I was pretty bushed.

6/21/10 - Elephants!

Hanging Tusk

It was another early wake up. A large group of us headed to the Elephant sanctuary. It was pretty cool. We got to get up close and personal with them. They really let you touch and handle the animals under there constant presence. They are truly amazing but it was a little unnerving.

I’ve seen all those FOX “When Animals Attack.” I made sure Nick was going to get slammed to the ground first while I ran the other way. It was an informative tour and hands on. We checked out another market on the way home and the rest of the day we are laying low, drying out and getting a little rest.

I watched the 7-0 drumming Portugal put on North Korea. Memo to North Korea, you suck. I’ll touch base with you all about the big Algeria match. I hope to have some good photos of the Apartheid museum tomorrow soon.

Until then!

What Stephen think of the US-Slovenia ref.

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Your US - Algeria Drinking Guide

Looking for some tasty brews to saddle up with for tomorrow's massive match against Algeria! Fear not... we're here to help you through the game situation-by-situation and a beer for each. This series has been twice (England's Drink Guide and Slovenia's Drink Guide) featured on The Shin Guardian and this column was also published there on June 22.

The Free Beer Movement is back! This is our last drink guide for the World Cup–we’re just too nervous!–so hopefully we’ll break through all of your extremely lowered expectations to provide some decent alcoholic liquid refreshments as your gnash your teeth and tear the wood off the bar through the US- Algeria game on Wednesday morning.

You’ll have to forgive us for our last drink recommendations for the US-Slovenia match. We gave you all sorts of great suggestions to whet your whistle during the game, but we neglected to mention what dedicated American soccer fans should have drunk in one situation (we blame Matthew for cutting our article length… it was in there in the first draft).

Hopefully it’s not too late to go back and look at one situation and corresponding drink that was left on the editing room floor.

Situation: Our boys go two down at half, Landon Donovan burns the face of goalkeeper, the coach’s son snags a desperate equalizer, and then Maurice Edu’s game-winner is negated by a massively bad call by an over-matched ref.

MB90: "I'm drinking Sam Adams, NOT YOUR HATERADE!"

FBM RECOMMENDS: Samuel Adams “Boston” Lager (Massachusetts). A fine brew to sip on during those exciting times.

On to the next one.

Pre-Game: At this point the Free Beer Movement has resorted to not even taking off their US jersey in between matches. We’re wearing the beer that covered us from the celebration that ensued after Edu’s stricken goal as “stains-of-honor-and-suffering” to carry into this next battle.

FBM RECOMMENDATION: The US is clearly going to need to come out of the gate strong this match and so are we. Try Russian River Brewing’s “Pliny the Elder” Double India Pale Ale (California), not only for its 8.0% ABV, but because it’s named after a real guy named Pliny who first named the hops plant “Lupus salictarius,” which means “wolf amongst scrubs”. Words that we hope have meaning for today.

National Anthem: Put your hand on the shoulder of your nearest neighbor and encourage them to do the same to theirs. “Shoulder Holds Across America”!

FBM RECOMMENDS: Silence as you attempt to not break the gaze of each US player as the camera pans across them. Oh no! Here comes Coach Sweatpants! Hold it. Hold it. Damn! He won again! Those steely blue eyes and high cheek bones!

Twenty-Five Minutes In and We Haven’t Conceded the Early Goal: Alright everyone we can breathe a little bit easier now. No slashing offensive runs or long-run dipping blasts. We’ve weathered the worst.

FBM RECOMMENDS: Tear your finger nails out of the bar’s wood and trade one pale (face) for another; a “Fresh Hop” Pale Ale from Great Divide Brewing Company (Colorado).

A “JOLAZO” from Mr. Jozy Altidore: Finally the American wunder-kid gets on the big scoreboard. And what a strike!

FBM RECOMMENDS: From one bomb to another we say take hold of Southern Star’s “Bombshell” Blonde Ale (Texas).

A Foolish Card by Someone, Anyone: Well, because, frankly it hasn’t happened yet and that’s just un-American.

FBM RECOMMENDS: Stupid decisions all around for players and fans alike. Beer? Yeah I’ll have another one. Nah, whatever you’re drinking. (Waits.) Hey, thanks for the beer. Bud Light (Missouri)? Really? Alright. It WAS free.

Maurice Edu Gets the Goal He’s Had Coming: You can’t keep this guy out of the goal mouth. The Rangers mid-man bags the tally one-person-who-shall-remain-nameless (and job-less from here on out) had denied him a game earlier.

FBM RECOMMENDS: It was a rocket. You saw the red in his eyes. This leads to a bad transition…. Bear Republic Brewing Co.’s “Red Rocket” Amber Ale (California).

Gomez Kills off the Desert Foxes: Hercules deals a knock-out blow that his MMA brother would be jealous of.

FBM RECOMMENDS: You know what the desert hates? Refreshment. You know what’s refreshing? Smuttynose “Summer” Weizen. Ahhhhhh! Crisp!

DaMarcus Beasley Makes a Cameo: Party like its 2002! Run DMB has arrived to take some late game Cobi Jones-like bashing from the Algerians.

FBM RECOMMENDS: Lagunitas “Undercover Investigation Shutdown” Strong Ale (California) is the beer to have as Beas is going to need all the strength in the world shutdown the hacks and to hold the ball up near the corner flag. Just don’t get head-butted!

Victory! All hail Coach Bob Bradley for a great game plan. We’re on to the knockout rounds thanks to a solid showing by the sweatpants-ed one.

FBM RECOMMENDS: What better way to salute a dear leader (not that one… ours) than with another hefty beer honoring a leader, Avery Brewing’s “The Czar” Russian Imperial Stout (Colorado).

Cheers!

Prost!

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South African Stories #3: Stephen on Location

Our "Senior South African Correspondent", Stephen Craig, is on the ground in South Africa and here's his third update. Stephen is a member of American Outlaws: Austin Chapter.

6/18/2010 - Slovenia Game Day

Well, I don’t feel too bad after our rip off tie with Slo-where ever the hell that country is. That ref is a complete idiot. I did hear that that ref is not going to get to call any more games, but we will see.

Ok, I got that off my chest.

We started the day off early. We were out of the house by 10ish and headed into Joburg. We made a quick stop at a nice mall to get some hat pins and do some window shopping. Alison then drove us as close as possible to Ellis Park Stadium.

Hanging with the locals.

Let me tell you. That section of town is a real crap hole. It reminded me of the opening of the TV show “Good Times.” Plight was in full effect. I had that astronaut feeling again. Everyone was staring at us as we walked to the stadium. It was a short few blocks so it wasn’t so bad. We got to the gates right at the opening. I think we were the first ones through. We were able to grab a quick bite for even more importantly we were able to get a table were we could see everything. Beer service started at 1pm so as soon as it opened we bought some delicious Budweisers.

Representin' American Outlaws: Austin

We took some good photos and made our way into the stadium. We had fantastic seats. Nick and Esfandiar had good seats too but where across the way a bit down from us. We had great fans around us and they were of all ages.


The first half was pretty crappy as most of you saw, but as soon as Donovan slammed home that first US goal Nigel and I did our best to spray Bud all over our neighbors below like we just won in an Indy car race. We cheered and sprayed the crowd again when Bradley scored the second goal.

Cheering on for more.

Then that douche of a ref called the foul that never existed. We went from complete joy to feeling like someone ripped our hearts out. What can you do? At least I got video of the last goal and tons of photos…that got erased somehow when we got back to the house. Think god Kellie had taken a ton of photos too. She gets the Jr correspondent gold star of the day. My hot wife Tori also let us know we where on TV so that is pretty cool too.

We drowned our sorrows in wine when we got back and the Mexican guys Diego and Mauricio made us take shots of tequila late in the night…yuck. I just can’t drink that stuff anymore.

Woke up and felt ok but we are going to try and hook up with Ben and Nat for a late lunch and maybe some sight seeing.

Talk to you soon!

Hanging out with the locals.

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We'll Tell You One F*cking MotherF*cker That We're NOT Buying a Beer For

Michael Bradley... you can have a beer, though.

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South African Stories #2: Stephen on Location

Our "Senior South African Correspondent", Stephen Craig, is on the ground in South Africa and here's his second update. Stephen is a member of American Outlaws: Austin Chapter.

6/14/10 - Monticasino

Yesterday was a long one. We all got up fairly early and heading to Fourways. The rest of the group went there the night before and had a really good time. We got there at about noon and had some lunch and had a beer. There were a couple of guys that arrived for lunch. They were dressed like white collar workers and after a bit I asked if there were any other pubs or areas to hang out and meet other World Cup travelers.

Wayne (the big guy) said there was a place about 2km away called Monticasino. As the conversation went on the other guy Chris said that they had meetings all morning so they were pretty much done for the day. They started drinking double Jack and Cokes and Vodka and Lemon Dry. The shots here are a little smaller at 22mls so it is like a shot and a half, give or take. Nigel and Kellie decided to head back to the lodge and Esfandiar had to drive them so Nick and I rode with Wayne and Chris to Monticasino. Lots of nice cars here in SA and they had a Mercedes and a Nissan 370 sports coupe. We arrived at this amazing complex.

Survivors. 40+ shots later.

It was a like Vegas. Inside it was all shops and gambling with the façade of European style buildings. After you walk through you come to this giant open square. It was really nice. They had giant screen, great restaurants and shops. We got a table at one of the cafes and after about 10 rounds of shots and 43 vodka and lemon drys later between five people I was done. I was glad that Esfandiar came back half way through the drinking mission. He was our designated driver. The guys said that drinking and driving wasn't a problem. They said just pay them 200 Rand and it would be fine but I didn’t want to find that out on my own. People drive crazy here and also on the other side of the road so it takes some getting used to.

6/15/2010 - Big Cats

Hey buddy.... I bet I could beat you in a race.

We had an early wake up. Up by 5:45am to get a ride out to the Ann Van Dyke Cheetah Sanctuary. I felt fine at first, but during the ride that took about an hour I was getting a little car sick (Editor's Note: "car sick" riiiiight). I was glad to have arrived. It was really cold today. It was in the 30’s this AM and got to about 45 for a high and the wind was blowing like mad. It was at least blowing at 35-40 miles an hour at times.

The tour was great. We got to see the cheetahs run and pet them and saw many other animals. It was great fun, but we were all freezing by the end. Who thought that Africa could be so fucking cold? The ponds here had ice over them. I was glad to get in the van and get a coffee. I slept well after lunch and then chilled back at the Owl Lodge watching the games for the rest of the night. I did get to speak to Danilo’s mom (My South African friend who now lives in Austin) and she wants to meet up at some time this week or next. I’ll have to see what the plan is with the rest of the group.

6/16/2010 - "Big Bad Joburg," Castle Brewery, and the oldest bar in Johannesburg

I got a late call from Danilo’s friend Ben and he said he and his wife Natalie would show us around “Big bad Joburg.” We called them first thing in the morning and decided to head out at noon to meet them. All five of us crammed into our clown car and headed out. We put Nick in charge of the GPS and set south…well, we thought we were heading south.

Dan told us to head south on M1 and after looking at the map we decided he said head south on the N1. So we head first toward Rustenburg and with a little encouragement form Nigel I crossed the highway median and headed the other way. We then were in West Pretoria and found the N1 and headed south. We gave Ben a call and he said we were on the wrong road. So here we are in a tiny car going 130km an hour heading into Johannesburg. Esfandiar took over navigation and we found the BP station they were going to meet us at on the GPS and kept on cruising.

I want you to remember that I am driving a car on the opposite side of the road and the wheel is on the right hand side of the car. When you first try to put on your turn signal you turn your windshield wipers on and everyone gives you the business. It's good stuff.

Nelson Mandela Bride (with Cristiano Ronaldo creeping behind)

We finally find Ben and Nat and we follow them into New Town Joburg (Esfan and I can’t remember if it is New Town or Old Town). We crossed over the Nelson Mandela Bridge and parked just outside the Fan Park (the big area where people can watch the game). We were not in an area where most tourists go, but that’s why it's always good to have locals to show you around. We went to the South African Museum and checked it out.

After checking out some of the exhibits we headed to the Castle Brewery for lunch and a tour. We got to eat ostrich and drink some good beer and the tour was pretty cool. We even got to sample some sorghum beer. It was the beer that the local tribes made and drank during celebrations. They gave us a big pot to drink out of and then passed it to the next person. Haven’t these people heard of germs?! I got to go second so I didn’t care. When in Africa…The beer was not bad. It was very thick and a little sour. It looked like watered down glue.

Can I get one straight from here?

We made our way though and they then served us a small beer in the old SA part of the tour. It was a cross between Disney World and a museum that served beer. We also got to sample some of the beer before the tour so it was good all the way around.

Free Beer Movement... South Africa.

We headed next to the Carlton Center. This is the highest building in the south of Africa. Esfandiar paid the guys at the center so we could go up to the observation deck. It was pretty spectacular. We were the only ones up there so it was kind of surreal. There are large office buildings everywhere, but Ben said that most of them are now low-cost housing. While driving around downtown you didn’t feel like you where in danger, but I would not walk around at night.

I guess it's not so different from any other big city.

On top of Johannesburg.

It was also a different feeling to be a minority. It's about 90% blacks and maybe 7% whites so you can really feel the difference, but that feeling seemed to go away quickly. All the service jobs are done by the black population; from trash collection to the wait staff, to bartenders. It's kind of a trip.

Money goes a long way here. We had 14 people in our group last night having drinks and food and it came out to 1900 Rand. That’s about 250 bucks. At the beginning of the night I ordered three double gin and tonics (everyone does doubles) three Guinness and two big (they are European size at half liters) Hansamarzen Lagers and the total in dollars was $16.80. Crazy. Good wine runs about 70 Rand (less than 10 bucks).

Enough of that tangent…we next headed to The Radium. It is the oldest existing bar in Joburg at about 70 years old. We met lots of Ben and Nat’s friends and the bar was packed with excited South African fans ready to cheer on Bafana Bafana. It was a little hard to talk to the group because some of the group had the vuvuzelas and my voice has never recovered from the first game. It was kind of funny because those horns are almost solely used by the black population and not by the whites, so it seemed to be a novelty for the whites to be using them. It was funny but at the same time it shows the separation of the two cultures.

The best explanation I can make is if you took two groups of people and laid them on top of each other. They have to interact on a daily basis but at the end of the day there is no overlap. Whites have their world and culture and blacks have theirs. Esfandiar and I discussed that this might be because they are in their infancy with the end of Apartheid and they are still making their way forward in a sense.

How about some more drinks? Sure! The Radium.

Well, South Africa lost 3 –nil in their game and that pretty much cleared out the bar. We loaded up and headed home. It’s a little tough to party too hard here and I was the designated driver so I was a good boy and only had a couple big beers with dinner.

A really big day with Slovenia tomorrow so I’m going to lay low. Nigel and Kellie are heading to Monticasino and Nick and Esfandiar are going to the Cradle of Life. I’ll try to update as soon as possible, but it will probably be after the game tomorrow.

Stay thirsty my friends!

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The World Cup of Beer: Have a Taste Now, They Won't Be Around Long (Part 1)

By Kirsten Schlewitz, Dan Wiersema, and Jesse Nechodom

Alrighty then! The Free Beer Movement's 2010 World Cup of Beer is underway! Now, unfortunately, we've got no time for elaborate opening ceremonies. Our South African counterpart is already underway and you need beers to drink alongside the teams.

Now if you're going to be able to slam a cold one for all 32 participating teams we need to get the early exiters out of the way first. So if you were to drink a beer with each team you'd better get your mitts on one before they're backing up the luggage for the long flight home.That's where we're going to kick-off our coverage

Category One: "Have A Taste Now, They Won't Be Around Long"

Japan

Hitachino Nest Espresso (Kiuchi Brewery)

This is an expensive pour, but absolutely worth it. Beautiful, near-black appearance with a big foamy tan head and lots of lace clinging to the glass. Aroma of coffee, chocolate, and red fruits. Tastes of chocolate, vanilla, cherries, and, of course, espresso. Absolutely delicious—and with all the espresso, you’ll feel no guilt drinking this for Japan v Cameroon on Monday.

- KS

Paraguay

Brahma (Brahma Brewery)

Brahma (even though from Brazil, but now brewed in Paraguay as well) is the best beer out of Paraguay and represents the country well. Brahma is a plain old lager with no outstanding flavors or features, but it goes down pretty smooth and gets the jobs of refreshment and inebriation done quite effectively. This is the perfect beer for Paraguay which is a rather unremarkable country geographically, hence the lack of special flavors or features. The lager style is refreshing on a hot day, of which there are plenty in Paraguay, and fits with the workmanlike philosophy of the Albirroja (Paraguay's national soccer team).

- JN

South Africa

Castle Lager

It's a sad state of affairs that the Bafana Bafana will probably be the first host nations to fail to make it to the knockout stages. That being said the hosts are putting one hell of a party, vuvuzelas and all.

To celebrate crack open the un-official local beer of the World Cup, Castle Lager. Budweiser might be forced down your throats inside the stadium, but outside it's all Castle. While this beer is the run-of-the-mill macro brew lager it does have two distinct advantages: 1) Castle's parent company SABMillerCoorsWhatever has developed a pull-top design ("Full Aperture" they call it) that turns an ordinary can into an EXTRAORDINARY pint (clearly beating out the Miller Lite "Vortex" bottle in speeding-beer-to-your-mouth-technology) and 2) there's nothing like downing a Castle lager though a vuvuzela beer bong!

-DW

Denmark

Beer Geek Breakfast Weasel (Mikkeller)

I typically try to have a variety of styles in the beers I recommend, but this group is all dark, mostly because I think those are better morning brews. And there’s no better breakfast beer than this—it wins for the name alone. You could just have the regular Beer Geek Breakfast Espresso Stout, but you really should go all the way and drink this one, whose espresso is made from the droppings of weasel-like civetcats, who only eat the freshest, ripest coffee beans. I promise, I’m not s***ing you. A 7% ABV oatmeal breakfast stout made from rodent droppings: there is nothing better you could drink for the early match against the Netherlands on Monday.

- KS

North Korea

Taedonggang Beer (Taedonggang Beer Factory)

How can one say no to a beer called the "the Pride of Pyongyang"? Well in North Korea you legally cannot so... bottoms up!

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, said to have a fondness for fine wines and brandy, has taken a personal interest in the brewery.

"Watching good quality beer coming out in an uninterrupted flow for a long while, he noted with great pleasure that it has now become possible to supply more fresh beer to people in all seasons," North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, said after he visited the brewery in 2002.

Which is kind or ironic that people would enjoy drinking beer when each year the nation has to import millions of tonnes of food to prevent starvation so I'm sure what they're really dying for (literally) is a good beer. Wheat for bread? Nah.... put it in the beer!

The North Korean dictator wanted a world-class brewery (nukes, etc... always trying to keep up with the Jones's) and bought the for-sale Usher Brewery in England, disassembled it, and brought piece by piece to North Korea should tell you something about the quality of the beer, which has been called inconsistent at best.

Think that story is weird enough check out their two and a half minute advert (we guess you can get that sort of length on TV in between military parades and Kim Jong Il's "Happy Happy Fun Time Execution Hour":

- DW

Switzerland

Bier Paul 02 (Schwarzbier)

Well the upset of the tournament so far, but we've got a feeling that the clockmakers are still heading home.

Go ahead and serve this dark beer (Schwartz means black) in a dimpled mug, just for funsies. It pours deep red-brown with a foamy beige head. Take a whiff and you’ll smell cola, brown sugar and chocolate. Chocolate and toasted malts are mostly what you’ll taste. It’s just 5% ABV, so drink it all through the match on Wednesday.

- KS

South Korea

S (Hite Brand)

Despite their strong showing against Greece in their opening game the South is following the North back home. Although hopefully not on the same flight... that might be a bit awkward. We were going to tap our Senior South Korean Correspondent for this review, but... we didn't.

Instead you're getting our "sexy" pick, Hite's "S" billed as "beer with dietary fiber" which we guess is a bit like the carb craze that hit the U.S. Really all the writing about this beer is a laugh riot.

Try these on for size:

*Dietary fiber is so popular these days it has been dubbed the 6th nutrient. Dietary fiber is known to enhance intestine movement to help people keep in shape

* Simply holding "S" makes you a style leader

*With a label design that reflects new trends, a refreshing emerald-colored bottle, a beautiful body-shaped logo type, and a simple twist cap, S is an icon for the new style leader pioneering a youthful style that is ahead of the times.

You can't argue with those selling points. "S" me!

- DW

Slovenia

Laško Termalni Desert (Pivovarna Laško)

This one is going down like their National Team against the US!

Slovenia brews just one dark beer, but fortunately it is their best beer. Unfortunately, unless you’re in Italy, Sweden, or Denmark (or Slovenia, I suppose) you won’t find it on the shelf. Still, try to grab this dunkler bock for your World Cup collection. It’s a deep brown with a toasty malt smell. Tastes of chocolate, coffee, and dark bread.

- KS

Greece

Hillas (Thrace Brewery)

You'd think that a drink that once was brewed as an offering to the gods would have a better showing, but Greece has traditionally had few local beers to sample from. Most of the Greek market has been dominated by imports from other European nations.

We were able to track down a brew that tries to highlight the godly connection and according to reviews isn't half bad.

Too bad this team and your chance at drinking it during the tournament is disappearing faster than polytheism.

Bada bing!

- DW

Australia

Coopers Best Extra Stout (Coopers Brewery)

Everyone who believes that Fosters really is “Australian for Beer” needs to sample one of these bottles. Pours pitch-black with a tan head. You could just sit and smell this one for hours, with its nutty malt and deep coffee aromas, but that would probably defeat the purpose. This stout is not overly sweet, with a lot of bitter coffee tastes, but a nice vanilla finish. This will make a nice midday beer for Sunday.

- KS

New Zealand

Emerson's Pilsner (Emerson's Brewing Company)

Certainly not the world-beaters that the rugby team is expect a quick exit from the tournament by the "All Whites." Before they do make sure to take a pull off of one of the many quality offerings from Emerson's.

Both the pilsner and the porter are great as Emerson's has been bringing home national and international brewing awards since their opening in 1993. Like many of their craft brew competitors their delicious hops are growing right in Kiwi country.

-DW

Algeria

Let’s face it—Algeria have the early morning match on Sunday, and the match that most of our readers are invested in occurs later in the day on Saturday. Everyone’s going to either be hungover or still drunk. Either way, it’s just might be time to take a cue from this Muslim nation and lay off the alcohol for a few hours.

Or grab a Bloody Mary to balance out your electrolytes before you start with the beer again for the next match. That’s cool too.

- KS

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South African Stories: Stephen on Location

Our "Senior South African Correspondent", Stephen Craig, is on the ground in South Africa and he's been checking in with updates for us. Stephen is a member of American Outlaws: Austin Chapter.

June 8th - Leaving the U.S.

We got to the airport and zipped through security. Got to chat up the ladies at the Continental counter and talked about the World Cup. One of the ladies was from Manchester so she really like the “Yanks vs Wanks” shirt I was wearing. Talked to two more gents in the security line and they both said they were jealous.

Is it wrong to say, “ I’m glad I’m the one that is going” and not the one that says, “Man, I wish I could go…I know this guy…”?

The airport is slow today and the beer is cold at Lefty’s. The rest of the crew should be here soon. I miss my wife and kiddo but I am taking the Coast Guard approach and am going to try to put them out of my mind. It sound a little cold but over my life I’ve learned that it is something I have to do to concentrate on the plan/job at hand. I hope to be able to Skype with them as often as I have time so it should be all good.

Next stop…Frankfurt.

June 10th - Germany

Frankfurt a day later. We got in with no problems. We were a little worried about the weather but it was all good. We all got to sit in business/first class so it was really nice. It makes you think how all the others afford it! Maybe its frequent flyer miles.

We had a layover for about 8 hours so Nigel talked us into heading into town by train. I’m glad he did. He is a more adventurous traveler and has no fear. We found the right train and a Pakistani guy helped us out. We still think it was a scam in some way but it got us there.

We stopped in the same station that we were in during the 2006 World Cup where we had to stop there for a few hours overnight and slept on the floor. It was cool to see it again. I’m told it is the second largest iron structure in Europe after the Eiffel Tower.

We walked down a way and found an Irish bar and had some food and drinks. We met a guy and his buddy and chatted them up. He was from New York, but he had lived in Germany and Europe for 15 years. He seemed a little rough around the edges and the dried blood in his nose told me this guy partied hard. He might have been the type of guy to pat you on the back now and knock you out later in the night and take your cash.

We made it back to the airport and got on our flight. The NY guy told us we needed to talk to someone about getting our money back for being charged for Business class, but getting a coach seat. Efandiar led the charge and argued with the lady at the South Africa Airways window for some time and we decided to cut our losses and just get on the plane. While sitting on our coach seats a lady came up to Esfan and I and said that we are changing seats and to go to first class. They also told this to Nigel, but there was only one seat. He gave it to Kellie and was a trooper and sat with the untouchables.

Living the high life in first-class.

First class is some amazing shit. Too bad I picked up a cold that is still with me today so it was very hard to sleep. We got to Joberg and was only slightly delayed by weather. Stepping off the plane to 45-50 degree weather was quite a change. It felt great after sweating for the last 24 hours because that is what I do.

Rob (half of our hosts) picked us up at the airport and after we got our SIM cards for our phones and our WC tickets we arrived a short while later at Owl’s Loft Midrand. It is truly beautiful and you get a wild feeling about it, like it is still untamed. Lots of blacks but not many whites out here. Just so much different from Austin. We have been napping and eating and relaxing in this great little spot. I hope to get my clock going soon so I can sleep. The next few days will be an adventure.

The crib.

June 12th - Game Day

Here we are on game day. As soon as I saw the sun hit the curtains in the room I popped out of bed and thought I was late...It was 8am. We don’t leave for Sandton until around 10 or so. Nigel made it to the South Africa vs Mexico game with the Mexican fans that are staying here and he said it was great.

We took it easy and just watched the games here and enjoyed a fantastic braai. I will do my best to get everyone caught up on the trip to Rustenberg tomorrow. The English Terry and Terry (son and father) are already saying it is going to be 10-0 England. I am hoping for a big US win!

We got a ride into Sandton and it was really nice. Mandela square is high end and big money. We hung out at one of the cafés and drank some cold beers and met other fans. Nigel was able to get some good photos as well as myself. We met the rest of the 350+ bus riders and loaded on to one of 5 buses and one small bus. We tried not to drink too much as we knew that Rustenberg was going to be a good 3 hour drive +/-. We where able to stop a couple of times for piss breaks. We used the sink so it helped people move though faster.

Roadside potty-time.

Representing AO: Austin (with fellow Austinite Neil)

We finally get to the stadium and it is literally in the middle of fucking no where. We have to drive through a little town that is more shanty town but everyone was having a good time and the locals where super friendly. Our bus was able to park close so it was not too bad of a walk at all.

The battlefield.

We all shouted at the English and they walked past the bus before we got out. It was good stuff. Nigel, Kellie and I worked our way into the stadium and crammed down a couple of beers before heading to our seats. We got to them about an hour early but it was fun to watch the people walk in and beer was readily available. It is easier to show photos than describe everything we saw.

The bottom line is we tied the game which was a big deal for the US. The trip back was long and Kellie and I were separated from Nigel but after some walking back and forth we finally found the bus. I mad the comment that the bus was not going to smell so fresh on the way back to Sandton and I am afraid I was correct. Wow, it was like a locker room after a Mexican buffet session. We got back to Sandton at about 3am and we were back at the lodge at 4am.

Nigel, AO VP Justin Brunken, Stephen, and Zach

June 13th - The Day After

Well, we survived. The trip to Rustenberg and back

certainly wore us out but it was worth it. All the Brits where talking major shit before and during the game and after they just made excuses. Pathetic. The draw is a good outcome for us and Altidore almost gave us the lead. That would have been something else.

Woke up at 10am and Esfandiar, Nick and I headed to the small airport and got a car to rent. It seemed to be the smart thing to do so we can get around the area. It is only about 120 bucks each for the whole time. I wish it had more than two squirrels for power.

June 13th Continued - Police!

On the way home we got pulled over at a police check point. I asked the lady what we did wrong. She asked for my drivers license and passport. She then asked me for 1200 Rand for a fine for not having an international license. I had Esfandiar call our host while I spoke to the lady. She explained that I, as a white, did not understand her job and that I needed to pay the fine right there. I told her to give me something in writing first and then I would take it to the magistrate and I would pay it there. After a little back and forth over the next 15 mins she let us go. I’m sure she thought she could get a fine out of the next person.

June 13th Continued - Grass Fire!

We got home and shortly thereafter Nigel, Kellie, Nick and Esfandiar headed into town for a little fun. I was having a beer and watching the games on the TV when I saw Rob (our host) running back and forth. I asked what the problem was and he said a fire was coming.

You have to remember that the whole lodge has a thatched roof and there is tall grass surrounding everything and it is the dry time of the year. I asked if Rob needed help and he said yes. We ran out into the fields with the workers and soon the British guys, Ken, Terry and Terry Jr came out too. They do not have volunteer firefighters in the country so its kind of everyman for himself unless you have good neighbors. We used some flat rubber squares on posts and used them to beat the fire out. It took us almost 2 hours, 8 people and a pair of tennis shoes that are now black to put it out. I would suggest wearing jeans to keep from burning your legs. I have an after photo of my legs. It was pretty crazy but quite fun and a good work out.

Grass fire. The white fence is the property edge of the place Stephen and company are staying at.

I’ll send this bit out and send more soon. TIA---this is Africa they say.

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