Hey everyone! The four year wait is over and the 2014 FIFA World Cup has finally begun! With some really exciting matches already over, we still have 28 days of madness ahead of us. Since the matches are taking place in Brazil, sadly for us, the options of where to watch these games are rather limited.Most of the extremely awaited matches happen post midnight (IST) and I’m sure we all have that one question in mind ” WHAT DO WE DO?”. I must admit that I am not football crazy, but with all my close ones being absolute die hard fans, I do enjoy games every now and then! The Schedule. To begin with, here’s the schedule for all those who haven’t already taken a print out or saved it on their phones.

Time
|
Group
|
Match
|
Venue
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Brazil vs Croatia
|
Arena Corinthians
|
21:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Mexico vs Cameroon
|
Estadio das Dunas
|
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014
|
00:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Spain vs Netherlands
|
Arena Fonte Nova
|
03:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Chile vs Australia
|
Arena Pantanal
|
21:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Colombia vs Greece
|
Estadio Mineirão
|
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
|
00:30 IST
|
Group D
|
Uruguay vs Costa Rica
|
Estadio Castelão
|
03: 30 IST
|
Group D
|
England vs Italy
|
Arena Amazonia
|
06:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Ivory Coast vs Japan
|
Arena Pernambuco
|
21: 30 IST
|
Group E
|
Switzerland vs Ecuador
|
Nacional
|
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2014
|
00:30 IST
|
Group E
|
France vs Honduras
|
Estadio Beira-Rio
|
03:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
Estadio do Maracanã
|
21:30 IST
|
Group G
|
Germany vs Portugal
|
Arena Fonte Nova
|
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Iran vs Nigeria
|
Arena da Baixada
|
03:30 IST
|
Group G
|
Ghana vs United States
|
Estadio das Dunas
|
21:30 IST
|
Group H
|
Belgium vs Algeria
|
Estadio Mineirão
|
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Brazil vs Mexico
|
Estadio Castelão
|
03:30 IST
|
Group H
|
Russia vs South Korea
|
Arena Pantanal
|
21:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Australia vs Netherlands
|
Estadio Beira-Rio
|
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Spain vs Chile
|
Estadio do Maracanã
|
03:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Cameroon vs Croatia
|
Arena Amazonia
|
21:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Colombia vs Ivory Coast
|
Nacional
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group D
|
Uruguay vs England
|
Arena Corinthi
|
3:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Japan vs Greece
|
Estadio das Dunas
|
21:30 IST
|
Group D
|
Italy vs Costa Rica
|
Arena Pernambuco
|
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group E
|
Switzerland vs France
|
Arena Fonte Nova
|
3:30 IST
|
Group E
|
Honduras vs Ecuador
|
Arena da Baixada
|
21:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Argentina vs Iran
|
Estádio Mineirão
|
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group G
|
Germany vs Ghana
|
Estádio Castelão
|
3:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
Arena Pantanal
|
21:30 IST
|
Group H
|
Belgium vs Russia
|
Estádio Maracanã
|
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Group H
|
South Korea vs Algeria
|
Estádio Beira-Rio
|
3:30 IST
|
Group G
|
United States vs Portugal
|
Arena Amazônia
|
21:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Australia vs Spain
|
Arena da Baixada
|
21:30 IST
|
Group B
|
Netherlands vs Chile
|
Arena Corinthians
|
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Croatia vs Mexico
|
Arena Pernambuco
|
01:30 IST
|
Group A
|
Cameroon vs Brazil
|
Estádio Nacional de Brasilia
|
21:30 IST
|
Group D
|
Italy vs Uruguay
|
Estádio das Dunas
|
21:30 IST
|
Group D
|
Costa Rica vs England
|
Estádio Mineirão
|
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Japan vs Colombia
|
Arena Pantanal
|
01:30 IST
|
Group C
|
Greece vs Ivory Coast
|
Estádio Castelão
|
21:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Nigeria vs Argentina
|
Estádio Beira-Rio
|
21:30 IST
|
Group F
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Iran
|
Arena Fonte
|
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Group E
|
Honduras vs Switzerland
|
Arena Amazônia
|
01:30 IST
|
Group E
|
Ecuador vs France
|
Estádio Maracanã
|
21:30 IST
|
Group G
|
United States vs Germany
|
Arena Pernambuc
|
21:30 IST
|
Group G
|
Portugal vs Ghana
|
Estádio Nacional de Brasilia
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Group H
|
South Korea vs Belgium
|
Arena Corinthians
|
01:30 IST
|
Group H
|
Algeria vs Russia
|
Arena da Baixada
|
ROUND OF 16
|
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014
|
21:30 IST
|
1A vs 2B
|
Estadio Mineirão
|
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
1C vs 2D
|
Estadio do Maracanã
|
21:30 IST
|
1B vs 2A
|
Estadio Castelão
|
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
1D vs 2C
|
Arena Pernambuco
|
21:30 IST
|
1E vs 2F
|
Nacional
|
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
1G vs 2H
|
Estadio Beira-Rio
|
21:30 IST
|
1F vs 2E
|
Arena Corinthians
|
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
1H vs 2G
|
Arena Fonte Nova
|
QUARTER-FINALS
|
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014
|
21:30 IST
|
Winner Match 51 vs Winner Match 52
|
Estadio do sMaracanã
|
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Winner Match 49 vs Winner Match 50
|
Estadio Castelão
|
21:30 IST
|
Winner Match vs Winner Match 56
|
Nacional
|
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 54
|
Arena Fonte Nova
|
SEMI-FINALS
|
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Winner Match 57 vs Winner Match 58
|
Estadio Mineirão
|
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Winner Match 59 vs Winner Match 60
|
Arena Corinthians
|
THIRD PLACE
|
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014
|
01:30 IST
|
Loser Match 61 vs Loser Match 62
|
Nacional
|
FINAL
|
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014
|
0:30 IST
|
Winner Match 61 vs Winner Match 62
|
Estadio do Maracanã
|
Now that we have our dates and timings in place, let move on to the where these matches can be watched other than the comforts of our homes of course.
Nine Thirty pm
This time slot suits the Indian time zone well for it’s not too late, since most bars/pubs shut down by 1. I have personally talked to each one of these places and they are screening all the 9:30 pm matches.
1. Soi 7 Pub & Brewery – Soi 7, since it opened up in Gurgaon has been one of the most popular joints in the city. I’d recommend sticking to the alcohol here since food is definitely not their forte. This lounge is known for it’s self-brewed beer, lovely cocktails, good music and occasional boxing matches which are really fun to watch! They do take reservations so it’s best to book your self a table especially during peak hours. Thursday: Ladies Night (Alcohol is on the house for women) & Tuesdays : Corporate Night (20% discount for corporate professionals)
Location: Cyber Hub, Gurgaon
Open till: 1 am
For reservations – 01133036518
2. Downtown – Located in Sector 29, Gurgaon, Downtown has got to be one of the most fun places, especially on a friday night. The place is huge since it rests on 4 levels. Oh, dont say no their wheat beer.
Open till: 12 am
Location: Leisure Valley Road, Sector 29
For reservations: +9195822622545
3. Underdoggs – Monday Nights!Underdoggs is known for it’s Monday nights for its All you can eat and drink Mondays at Rs.799 + taxes (which includes unlimited Chicken wings, unlimited pizzas, unlimited beer, unlimited cauliflower bites and unlimited soft beverages).
Location: Ambience Mall – Vasant Kunj and Ambience Mall- Gurgaon
Open till: 12 am
For reservations: 01133036180
4. Moonshine Cafe & Bar – Divided into two sections, offering two completely different experiences, Moonshine in no time has made it as one of the most fun places to party in the city. A plus point- its really big and airy along with the food which deserves a special mention!
Location: Hauz Khas Village
Open till: 1 am
For inquiries: 01133036849
5. Vapour Pub & Brewery– With its highlight being a beautiful terrace, Vapour as one of numerous microbreweries in Gurgaon is a fun and relaxed bar lounge to watch the matches on it’s numerous TV screens.
Location – MGF Mega City Mall, Gurgaon
Open till: 1 am
For Reservations – 011 33036097
6. Imperfecto – To relish the aroma from the Mediterranean, Imperfecto is showing matches on giant screens, with deals such as a bucket of six pints of beer for Rs 1,300 with free tapas.
Location: Cyber Hub, Gurgaon and Hauz Khas Village
Open till: 1 am
For reservations: 011 41090093
7. Soy – Restaurants like Soy in Khan Market have a deal where guests predicting the correct match result will get a set of five vodkas/five any Indian liquor (standard servings). Also, all registered users will get a free round of drinks whenever a goal is scored. That sounds like fun!
Location: Khan Market
Open till: 12 am
For reservations: 011 33036223
8. Caffe 9 : This multi cuisine restaurant & lounge has come up with a concept called ‘Get Set Goal’. Patrons can catch the action of Football World Cup 2014 Live on big screens. It will also be running an offer wherein the patrons can predict the winner before the first goal and get a round of beer for free. These is definitely a fun way to enjoy a game night!
Location: Cannaught Place
Open till: 1 am
For reservations: 011 33036178
9. Striker Pub & Brewery: Striker, being one of the older breweries in town has managed to maintain is cliental pretty well. It has a fun and energetic vibe throughout the week. On tuesday nights, drinks are free for the ladies! There are two huge screens for the match screenings, so definitely no complains.
Open till: 1 am
Location: Global Foyer Mall, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
For Reservations: 011 33036121
10. Mia Bella: Mia Bella has an international flags décor theme to celebrate this year’s football fever. They have two giant screens, one on its rooftop and one inside. They also have a promotional offer called ‘beer bonanza’ that includes imported beer at discounted prices. Along with that, they are hosting games and contests during half-time and give away freebies (drinks/shots on the house) for guessing the correct names of players.
Location: Hauz Khas Village
Open till: 1 am
For reservations: 011 33036327
11. 100% Rock: The place is huge and makes for a fun place to watch the matches. Their happy hours last till 10 pm so ordering all the drinks as soon as the match starts would be a smart thing to do.
Location: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
Open till: 1 am
For reservations: +91 9818009286
12. Etc.. Cafe Pan Asian – Throughout the World Cup, they have a special cocktail menu featuring deals like Free Kick (a pitcher of Long Island iced tea), Red Card (11 Indian beers), Golden Goal (20 Kamikaze shots) along with many more drinks. Who can say no to such a spirited menu?
Location: Ambawatta Complex, Mehrauli
Open till: 12 am
For reservations: 011 33036342
13. The Beer Cafe: Completely immersed in the world cup spirit, Beer Café outlets across the city are screening the matches on high-definition LCD screens. They are are also offering complimentary tattoos and wristbands during the match hours.
Open till: 12 am
Location: Cyber Hub, Ambience Mall (Gurgaon), Cannought Place (+ 7 more locations)
For reservations: 0124 4949624
14. 7 degrees Brauhaus– They have a community of The Beer Enthusiasts which meets every wednesdays. 7 degrees showcases 1 new beer from across the world as a part of our Members Tasting which is complimentary. Members can avail Open Tap offer (unlimited beer @750rs all inclusive) every wednesdays. For this membership, charge a fee of 1000rs. (Please contact the bar for more details). As a member, you have an access to the Open Tap nights, 20% off every time.
Location: DLF South Point Mall, Gurgaon
Open till: 12 am
For reservations: 011 33036728
15. Monkey Bar– Though a little tough to find if you don’t know Vasant Kunj well, it’s definitely worth it! Serving yummy food, interesting cocktails at decent prices and a huge screen, you can’t say no to Monkey bar. In spite of it’s size, (whcih is huge) getting a table during peak hours on the weekends can be really tough.
Location: Pocket C 6 & 7, Vasant Kunj,
Open till: 12:30 am
For reservations: 011 33036531
16. Harry’s – Harry’s review
Location: Khan Market & Select City Walk Mall
Open till: 1: 30 am
For reservations: 011 33036834
Post Midnight
If you’re on the lookout for a place to watch the 12:30/1:30 am match then these bars or clubs, all located in Hotels do fit the bill! However, make sure that the match will may not be the highlight of the night for a couple of these places.There are TV screens where the match is being played but along side the DJ will continue to play for the night.
1. RSVP– With entry at Rs.1000 for a couple, choosing RSVP as your go to club would be a smart thing to do. Do keep in mind that it’s a weekend club only! (Fridays, Saturdays). Also, the music may overshadow the match screening and hence it’s not the place to be if you want to watch the match without the ‘clubbing’ experience.
Location: Jaype Vasant Continental, Vasant Vihar
Open till: 3:30 am approx
For inquiries: +91 9999617787
2. The Blue Bar– The Blue Bar is a personal favorite for its cocktails, ambience and fun music. On fridays and Saturdays, the last order will be taken at 2:30 am for alcohol and 1:00 for food. The bar would shut by 4 am! Kafe Fontana located in the same hotel, will also be screening all the matches and has some deals on the food too!
Location: The Taj Palace Hotel, Diplomatic Enclave
For inquiries: 011 66503665
3. Kitty Su– Being one of the most popular clubs in the city, Kitty Su is as commercial as it can get. It does offer a promising fun night if you’re with a large group of friends. The drinks are expensive so preg-aming sounds like a better plan here!
Location: The Lalit Hotel, Cannought Place
Open till: 3:30 am approx
For inquiries: 011 44447666
4. Howzzat– As the name indicates, this place is a sports bar from beginning to end. With beer being it’s forte, its a fun place to watch matches at reasonable prices in spite of being located in a hotel.’Bouncers’ and ‘Googly’ are their most ordered drinks, for sure!
Location: Galaxy Hotel, Gurgaon
Open till: Approx. 3 am
0124 4032222
5. Ricks – For the world cup, they are offering two beers for the price of one to all soccer fans (during the live telecast) and appetizers such as traditional nachos with charred tomato salsa and ranch dressing, jalapeno poppers.
Location: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Mansingh Road
Open till: 3 am approx
For inquiries: 011 23026162
The unexpected
There are a few of places that we all assume will most likely screen the matches but having called them up and talked to them, I was wrong! They, in fact are not screening the World Cup matches & I thought listing them down might help those who may consider these bars for watching the games specifically.
1. Route 04
2. Fork You
3. Shiros
4. PCO
5. Hard Rock Cafe
To be on the safer side, you should call them up before negating these options completely!
Party all night
Tika Taka time : https://www.facebook.com/tikitakatime
Screening matches open air in Asola farms, Chattarpur, this event seems to have it all. Giant screens, TV and football games!
Grubbin’ away
Post watching the match, if you’re not in the mood to order in there are a couple of places that you rush to in order to satiate your taste buds. I’ve personally tried out all of these and really vouch for them! Oh, and these options don’t pinch the pocket at all. Ofcourse to top of the list is Paranthas. My favorites are the ones at Moolchand in Delhi ( thanks to the good old college days) and outside the E&Y building (Golf Course Road) in Gurgaon. If you want even more options, the keema maggi,chilly chicken and chowmien are to die for at the Convergys ‘Dhaba’ in Gurgaon. We also have the classic Pandara Road (Have More- I can swear by the Butter Chicken *slurps*) which now shuts by 2 am. If you don’t have the time to wait, then a quick stop at 24*7 would be a good idea post the match!
For the best deals on food during this FIFA season you must try out Johnny Rockets, Fat Lulus, Baci and Mcdonalds! They have some really interesting offers such as Fat Lulu’s ‘Italy day’ food deal that includes one portion of chicken wings, two 14-inch pizzas and one plate of pasta for Rs 1,499 or their ‘England’ meal which includes eight beers and Fish n Chips and Argentina – Pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea and Minute Steaks – both for Rs.1,499.
If you rather be in your pajamas and watch the match with your close friends while devouring pizzas, then you’re just like me! For late night food delivery call,
1. Batman Delivers – Sector 14 and Sector 53, Gurgaon
+91 9910099925
See the menu on Zomato
2. Crave Busters- Hauz Khas Village, Rajouri Gardenm GK 1
011 33036715
See the menu on Zomato
3. Knight Riders Delivery- DLF Phase 3, Gurgaon
9910596785
See the menu on Zomato
4. Midnight Munchies – All across Delhi
8882223456
Their website
Making life easy
For renting out the projectors: Who can say to not watching the match on a huge screen within the comforts of home? Here are a couple of safe options for renting a projector for a few days incase all fails!
1. Spark VFS Productions
2. Projection Screens
For taking a cab back home: If you have your own car, then the Driver Bulao service is perfect for you. You can rent professional and reliable drivers for 4,8,10 hours. One of the most recognized global car services has got to be Uber and it’s finally in India! This is one of the easiest hazzle free ways to be driven in luxury. Other than that, you can also simply opt for Meru or Easy Cabs.
Now that you have everything in place, who are you supporting this year ? 😀 Have a fun FIFA month!
Image: fifa.com , Some deals: Outlook Traveller