World Cup Fever Strikes Miami Hard

Miami never misses out on a good party and the World Cup has been no exception.

With our diverse multi-national culture, we have more residents glued to their sets watching the World Cup than any other American city, according to TV ratings.

Wednesday’s semi-final game between Spain and Germany proved that interest in the World Cup remains strong, despite the fact that all the Latin American teams have been eliminated.

The party was especially hopping at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables, which was hoping for a Germany win but quickly put on some Gipsy Kings music for the dancing Spanish fans after Spain won 1-0. See above video.

Above: A Spanish fan celebrates after Spain scored its only goal

Now it has come down to Spain and Holland to determine the best soccer team in the world. The game will be played Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

This is the first time Spain has made it to the final and the third time for Holland, even though it lost against Germany and Argentina in 1974 and 1978 respectively.

Miami, with its heavy Latin American population, will mostly be rooting for Spain.

“That’s the mother country,” said Rosa Alvarez, who was celebrating Spain’s victory at Fritz & Franz.

“I was rooting for the U.S. but now I root for the time where my ancestors came from,” said the Cuban-American, who was born in Miami.

Above: Roommates Pablo Aruz in red and Armin Dilles in white, who are from Spain and Germany respectively, managed to maintain their friendship despite the outcome of the game.

Despite Germany’s elimination, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus will continue to keep the party rocking.

But what if you want to watch the game in a more authentic setting to coincide with either Spain or Holland?

For Spanish fans

One option, only two blocks away from the bierhaus, is Copas y Tapas on Miracle Mile, which will offer specials on wine and tapas during the game.

On Miami Beach, the best option is probably Tapas & Tintos on Espanola Way, which is not only the most European looking street on South Beach but named after the mother country.

For Dutch fans

But if you’re looking for a more Dutch atmosphere, you might want to check out The Grove Spot in Coconut Grove, which is owned by Netherlands-born Olav Smit.

Smit, who only opened the Grove Spot this year, vowed at first not to turn it into a sports bar.

But World Cup fever obviously got to him because he is now promoting his venue as World Cup Headquarters.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to comment.

After all, we don’t have to be Dutch or Spanish to enjoy a good party. Photos and video by Carlos Miller

Above: Cintia Pombo, who is from Brazil, was rooting for Germany because her team had been eliminated Above: Spanish fans react during the first half of the Spain-Germany game at Copas y Tapas in Coral Gables

Related Links: Good Places to Watch the World Cup Playwright Pub: Great Place to Watch the World Cup Related Categories: Miami: Local News, Miami: Sports News, Carlos Miller is a featured writer at Miami Beach 411. He also operates Photography is Not a Crime, a blog about photographer rights, New Media and First Amendment issues. See more articles by Carlos Miller. See more articles by Carlos Miller Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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"World Cup Fever Strikes Miami Hard"

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