Fittingly, I suppose, World Cup Coffee on NW Glisan and 18th has become one of Portland’s popular places to watch the World Cup.  Since World Cup Coffee is one of the wonderful PDX coffee shops to offer free wifi via PersonalTelco, I find myself often setting up shop and working here.  The full length windows allow me to enjoy the sun and the surrounding Victorian style houses serve as a nice back drop.  This year, though, Sony Only provided a killer HD flat screen set up so coffee revelers can mix with soccer afficionados, sans vuvuzuelas. 

Depending on the game, the crowd might include ex-pats from around the world.  Who knew there were so many Ghanians here, for example?  Pretty cool, actually.  Today’s game matching Germany against Spain has had a surprisingly small turn out.  I have to believe the 95 degree weather has had something to do with it.

I was lucky enough to catch the end of the epic USA versus Algeria match where Landon Donovan scored a game saving, game tying goal with mere seconds left in extra time.  I had caught most of the game on the radio during my drive in and, honestly, literally opened the door and walked into a packed World Cup Coffee right as Donovan kicked the fateful kick.  I felt like Norm!  The roar of the crowd was epic. 

I know Portland fancies itself Soccer City, USA and I think we’re aquitting ourselves nicely with the dearth of viewing opportunities.  It seems everywhere I go, no matter the quadrant, the games are on somewhere.  Each and every bar, coffee shop, mom and pop shop, boutique and restaurant seems to have full crowds.  Portland might not have the population masses of LA or New York, but I’d match its sports passion against that of any US city. 

Just ask Blazer fans.