It's time to skip work to drink... for soccer

New York Remember after the 2010 World Cup when you were like, “Dude, I should really get into soccer”? Well, here's your chance: the 2014 World Cup kicks off today. And while you could always hit up soccer shrine Nevada Smiths, you could also not do that and instead head to one of these five soccer havens in NYC, all of which 1) are tailored to a specific fan base (Germany! Croatia! England! USA! USA! USA!), and 2) have beer, good food, and live music. Oh, and a scheduling heads up: the US plays Ghana on June 16th, 6pm; Portugal on June 22nd, 6pm; and Germany on June 26th, noon.

Facebook/ Zum Schneider

Watch with Germans at Zum Schneider: The Bavarian biergarten is “Germany’s NYC headquarters for the World Cup” starting today, then ditches its East Village digs for the day on June 26th to host a live-viewing party of the Germany vs. US game at Solar One along the East River. The sun-soaked outdoor event will be overflowing with German beer, pretzels, and sausages, plus they'll have the match on a whole bunch of screens along with live Oom-pah music.

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Andrew Zimmer

Watch with Brazilians at Berry Park: In addition to having multiple TVs airing the Brazil vs. Croatia game (June 12th at 4pm), expect a rowdy halftime party with rowdy halftime DJ Jonny Santos, plus a live performance by Zuzuka Poderosa, a baile funk musician. After the game, expect more live drum music (bateria) on the bar’s rooftop complete with samba dancers.

Facebook/ Percy's Tavern

Watch with the English at Percy’s Tavern: On June 14th at 6pm, this rowdy party celebrating the match between England vs. Italy will feature beer specials, a ton of traditional British pub grub (bangers and mash, fish and chips...), and hopefully not people head-butting things.

Facebook/ American Outlaws

Watch with Americans (!!!) at Jack Demsey's: The NYC branch of the American Outlaws (a nationwide club of dedicated fans who don't actually break the law... probably...) call this Midtown haunt their home bar, so expect a full house every day that the US plays. ESPN filmed a segment of Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March to Brazil six-part documentary here, and rumor has it that they might return for some live footage of a future game.

Flickr/ Wolfgang

Watch with Croatians at Scorpio Cafe & Bar: This hole-in-the-wall bar in Queens is a place for serious fans, and it’s not uncommon for them to spill out on the sidewalks while watching the games (June 12th at 4pm, and all Croatian games thereafter). Get there early on game day, claim a spot at the bar, and order a shot (or three) of Pelinkovac, Croatia’s answer to Jager. Živjeli!