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Hopeful English soccer fans gather at Red Lion pub
By LISA MATUSKA
Article published on Thursday, July 6, 2006 |
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – At halftime the score is 0-0 and English football (soccer) fans dressed in red and white jerseys are standing around the Red Lion Pub, talking about second half strategies. England played Portugal on Saturday in the quarter finals of the World Cup. Once the game started this loud, crawling pub turned silent, except for the occasional “go on son” from anxious fans.
The decor of the English pub was divided that day. Complimentary England napkins shared the table with red, white and blue carnations. England’s St. George Cross flag hung on the wall next to American flags for upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Although England was defeated by Portugal in penalty kicks, the spurts of energy and shouts of disagreement from many fans didn’t stop until Portugal’s last goal.
Alan Hall, who lives in London, sat nervously throughout the game taking his England hat on and off. His granddaughter lives in Florida, and Hall has been coming to vacation in the area for the last 20 years. He said he comes into the Red Lion Pub for every big game England plays.
“The pubs in London would be absolutely packed right now,” Hall said.
Towards the end of the game all the tables filled up and the tension was high as England and Portugal entered into penalty kicks. But, the defeat left the pub noise to quiet chattering of red cards and missed chances.
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Article published on Thursday, July 6, 2006
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