Where to Watch the World Cup ... Besides Your Own TV

Viewing parties for the Brazil-Mexico World Cup match will be held today at CityWalk and the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in Redondo Beach while a public viewing of South Korea's opening match will be held in Koreatown.

The CityWalk watch party for the Brazil-Mexico Group A match from Fortaleza, Brazil, will begin at 11 a.m. and include autograph signings by current and former Los Angeles Galaxy players and appearances by the team's Star Squad promotional and entertainment  group, mascot Cozmo and Futboleros freestyle soccer performance team.

There will be giveaways of U.S. men's national team and Galaxy gear, scarves, posters and other items.

The game will be shown on what organizers describe as a "massive" television screen. The opening kickoff is set for noon.

The party at the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse at 207 N. Harbor Blvd. in Redondo Beach will also begin at 11 a.m. and include samba dancers, samba lessons, samba dance competitions and authentic Brazilian food and drinks.

Brazil and Mexico both won their opening games, with today's winner almost virtually assured of advancing to the 16-team single-elimination portion of the tournament.

Brazil is third in the rankings compiled by FIFA, soccer's worldwide governing body, 17 spots ahead of Mexico.

Brazil leads the series 22-10, with six matches ending in ties. This will be the fourth time the nations have met in the World Cup and first since 1962. Brazil won the three previous matches, outscoring Mexico, 11-0.

What is described as a "public viewing and cheering event" for the South Korea-Russia match will begin at 3 p.m. at Wilshire Park Place, 3700 Wilshire Blvd. The Group H match from Belo Horizonte, Brazil will be shown on two giant LED screens. T-shirts, clappers and other cheering props will be provided.

South Korea is ranked 57th, Russia 19th. Russia defeated South Korea, 2- 1, in the only previous match between the two nations, Nov. 19 in Dubai.

--City News Service