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Where To Catch The World Cup Finals This Weekend Around LA
Be a part of the excitement as soccer fans unite to watch the World Cup finals.
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Alex Sasamaya
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for LAist
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This World Cup was controversial before it began. It has also become, unexpectedly, one of the most consequential.
Match after match, under-resourced teams upset futbol’s giants and gave underdogs everywhere hope. Japan defeated Germany and Spain. South Korea beat Portugal. Croatia eliminated Brazil. Morocco beat Belgium, then eliminated both Spain and Portugal. It’s enough for even the casual soccer fan to get wrapped up in the Copa Mundial's excitement.
Morocco's storied run has stood out for the duration of the tournament. It drew notice for being the first African and Arab team to advance to the semi-finals and displaying Palestinian solidarity.
Following each victory, the Atlas Lions have unfurled the Palestinian flag instead of posing with their country's own. It is a gesture where we find what this tournament is about. Supporting your team, of course. But also that of your neighbor.
Morocco faces Croatia on Saturday at 7 a.m. for the third-place spot. Then it's onto the championship final between Argentina and France on Sunday at 7 a.m. Have a cup of café au lait or yerba mate, and enjoy the game.
Here are a few places to celebrate our favorite winningest teams.
St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church (Chinatown)
712 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Match: Third place play-off: Croatia vs. Morocco; Saturday, 7 a.m.
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St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church has consistently been one of the most exciting places. At viewings organized by L.A. Vatreni, an organization dedicated to uniting the Croatian diaspora, hundreds to thousands regularly pack the parish hall, from Croatia’s first match to its last. Ćevapi, a minced meat dish, is often on the menu, and everything — and everyone — is covered in checkers.
Two waves of Croatian immigrants settled in Southern California at the turn of the 20th century. The first, from the Dalmatian coast, found a new home in San Pedro and worked in fishing and shipbuilding, much like they had for generations back on the Adriatic Sea. The second, from Hercegovina and Continental Croatia, settled in the heart of L.A. Their heavy construction experience helped them build this city.
In what we now call Chinatown, St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church continues to lift our spirits. The Croatian team did not make it to the final this time but expect them to fight (and celebrate) until the end.
The Village Idiot (Melrose)
7383 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
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Match: Third place play-off: Morocco vs. Croatia; Saturday, 7 a.m.
The Melrose pub has fully embraced the World Cup this year, serving alcohol at 6 a.m. and hosting a diverse set of fans.
The organized Moroccan community in Los Angeles has chosen it as its gathering place for Saturday morning’s match. If what followed the win over Portugal is any indication, it may be followed by dancing in the streets.
Mercado Buenos Aires (Van Nuys)
7540 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405
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Match: Argentina vs. France; Sunday, 7 a.m. (Final)
Post-match celebrations have spilled out into the Van Nuys market parking lot and restaurant throughout this tournament, smoke bombs and all. For this Sunday, the outdoor space will be used for the viewing itself with the help of a large LED screen.
The stakes are high this year, as it is likely to be La Pulga’s last. Sharing a parrilla, empanadas, and the Argentine national beer of choice Quilmes should help you get through it.
Other great options include Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe in Culver City, El Gaucho Meat Market in Redondo Beach, and the West Covina and Downey locations of Gaucho Grill.
Sweet Lily Bakery Cafe (Hollywood Hills/Universal City)
3315 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles, CA 90068
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Final: France vs. Argentina; Sunday, 7 a.m.
Enjoy France’s return to the final as comfortably as they have been playing. The French bakery cafe in Universal City is the perfect place to watch the match over breakfast.
General Viewings
Guelaguetza (Koreatown)
3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Townhouse Venice (Venice)
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet (Santa Fe Springs)
13963 Alondra Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Biergarten LA (Koreatown)
206 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Trademark Brewing (Long Beach)
233 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
Common Space Brewery (Hawthorne)
3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250
Truly LA (Arts District)
216 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tom’s Watch Bar (Downtown LA)
1011 S. Figueroa St., b101, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
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