Will Soccer Finally Have Its Moment In NYC?

Today marks the first day of a marathon that will hold Europe in suspense. And, it's not about Greece’s destiny or the new Merkel-Hollande alliance, but rather about the fierce battle to determine the Continent's best soccer team.

This is serious business. The Soccer Euro Cup will cost an average of 150 hours of daylight, 230 litters of beers, 36 hangovers and 350 cigarettes to the average French citizen. Clearly, France is on the brink of a health crisis.

Meanwhile in NYC, the hype is not quite here—though there are glimmers of hope in Brooklyn (threatening to thwart ).  And, since the Euro 2012 being hosted in Poland and Ukraine, we might see Greenpoint come alive with national pride. Williamsburg's enthusiasts can catch their favorite games on TV on Berry Park's rooftop bar (or just watch the live play across the street in McCarren Park).

Cobble Hill and Carroll Garden (home of the French diaspora), will do their part as well. Bar Tabac will lead the pack, show 2 games a day and flood the neighborhood with $4 French beers and extended happy hours. Bar Bruno, whose interior décor entirely revolves around soccer, is getting its Time Warner connection fixed specifically for the event. All American bars such as , and will also be showing games everyday.

This battery of options might not win over a lot of NY newbies—but it will surely satisfy the fans. Make sure to tune in on Monday at 12pm for the most important game of all: France versus England!

And of course, for the book-readers, check out Idlewild’s ultimate soccer fan booklist!