Two weeks ago, I gave myself a Facebook challenge- I promised to severely limit my intake of beer in preparation for imbibing a few more beverages during the World Cup. I’m sorry to say that I failed in my non-beer drinking mission, but I’m excited to say that I’m really looking forward to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Unfortunately, I’ll only be there in spirit, but I’m definitely planning on catching as much of the action as I can on TV, in local bars, pubs, and restaurants and have come up with what I believe is the ultimate idea in World Cup Watching and drinking. (On a related note, check out Brazil's measures to ensure  Brazilians have enough beer to drink during the game.)

First, you need to have a schedule of the matches, which can be found HERE. Even if you’ve never watched a soccer game in your entire life, it is imperative you join the rest of the world to understand what everybody else is cheering about. Second, just as in the NCAA March Madness tournament, you need to have a bracket sheet to fill out. HERE is a bracket by Groups. You don't have to know anything about the sport- just choose your favorite-sounding countries or research FIFA rankings to choose the countries.

Of course, as Americans, we all are strongly encouraged to cheer Landon Donovan and  the rest of the team to victory, especially on June 12th (which is this Saturday) for their first match against England.  For a preview of the match, check out this quick synopsis HERE. The other countries in the same group as the United States are Slovenia and Algeria. 

For a different perspective on the World Cup (which may be easier in big cities across the country), my main idea is to watch the games which don’t involve the United States at ethnic restaurants or bars which represent one of the two countries playing. The World Cup takes place over the course of a month, so there should be a lot of excuses to eat and drink the food and beverages of the world. Friday might be time for Mexican food when South Africa (as the host nation) takes on Mexico or you might want to try some special sausages (and beer) at a German game.