Here are the best spots to watch the World Cup’s England-Croatia semifinal
We're in the final week of the 2018 World Cup, drawing to a close a month of day-drinking and justifiably long lunches.
The semifinals ended up an all-Europe affair.
Tuesday, the world's two greatest frite-fying nations, France and Belgium, played to an excruciating-to-watch, defense heavy 1-0 French win.
Wednesday, England and Croatia will play in the second semifinal, squaring off at 2 p.m. Since this is the last weekday game, bars and breweries are opening early and pouring hefty drink specials. With England making their most respectable World Cup run in a generation, Triangle pubs are particularly energized. A few pints may help Brit fans cope with the Croatian midfield.
Regardless of how Wednesday's match shakes out, there are still two more games to go.
Saturday's third place game kicks off at a bright and early 10 a.m., and Sunday's final starts at 11 a.m. All games are on FOX.
Bull McCabe's
427 W. Main St., Durham
This year-round big game bar loves its soccer and has the patio to prove it. Get there early. There will be crowds around the outdoor TVs.
Capital Club 16
16 W. Martin St., Raleigh
It's been a month-long party at Raleigh's Capital Club 16. Even though Germany took a early exit, pints of Hofbrau still taste good with schnitzel.
Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee, Ave., Durham
Sporting one of the biggest projection screens in the area, Fullsteam will open two hours early for England-Croatia. For Saturday's third place game they'll open even earlier, at 10 a.m.
Hibernian Pub
311 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
This Glenwood South institution will have the sound on upstairs and downstairs, half-price wine and beer specials.
James Joyce
912 W. Main St., Durham
The Irish pub is showing the game alongside Carlsberg, Guinness and Jameson drink specials, plus $5 wings and fries.
London Bridge Pub
110 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Probably best only for England supporters, London Bridge is the epicenter of Anglo fandom.
Motorco
723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham
With a brand new projector for the big game, Motorco is serving patriotic specials, Fullers ESB for British fans, Karlovoscko lager for Croatian Supporters.
This story was originally published July 11, 2018 at 1:42 PM.