The final (May 29) might have most of Thailand mad for the beautiful game, but, here at BK, we’ve got both football junkies and some seriously novice soccer fans. If you’re a newbie too, then let us take you from Football 101 (what’s that rule that no one understands, anyway?), to advanced footie tips (like top pitches and which boots work for you).
Where to Watch
Ok, we admit it, being on at 1:45 in the morning on a week night makes it tricky to catch the final live. So here’s the alternative, spend the whole of the next day avoiding the result and then head to one of these bars to watch the re-run on a big screen.
The Pickled Liver
Tucked away in Sukhumvit Soi 11, this scruffy but welcoming British pub is where die-hard football fans flock to enjoy the live games at all hours of the day. Just pick from one of the numerous screens amid the soccer scarves and shirts that line the walls and even the ceiling. Soak up the beer with delicious sausage rolls.
Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-254-3484. www.thepickledliver.com. Open daily 2pm-late
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
The night market beer garden is known to attract large crowds of supporters for the big games, giving it a great, if a little sticky, atmosphere. We can easily see why: giant screens, cheap food from loads of stalls and plenty of beer pretty’s on hand to keep your thirst quenched. And, if the game is really dull, you can always laugh at the karaoke wannabes on the main stage.
Intersection of Rama 4 and Wireless Rd., 02-252-4776, 02-252-4876.
www.suanlum-nightbazaar.com
Bar@Siam
Equipped with pool tables, an air hockey table and darts, this all-black sports bar is a dream basement for sports fanatics. The multiple screens also make it a great spot to root for your team when you tire of playing the pub version. In fact, practically almost every sport, not just football, is covered: Tennis, rugby, basketball, you name it and they also serve up a mean pizza.
Novotel Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 6, Rama 1 Rd., 02- 209-8888. Open daily 6pm- 2am
Manchester United
Not surprisingly, the décor matches the team this bar’s named after: red, red and more red. Of course, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Red Devil fans at this shrine to the current world champions, which is decorated with Man U memorabilia and photos of players. Still there’s plenty of room and the bar does have huge projectors and flat screen TVs showing the matches.
G/F, President Palace, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2933.
www. mufbthai.com. Open daily 11:30am-late
Woodstock
Considering its stateside theme and its location in Thong Lor, it’s quite a surprise that this diner style bar is such a great spot to watch a game of soccer. But if you head upstairs to the third floor, you’ll find a cozy space complete with comfy sofas where you can sit back and enjoy the match. Or stay downstairs and play on their crazy version of pool while you tuck into a juicy burger.
44 Soi Thonglor 13, 02-712-0202/3. Open daily 11-1am
Offside for Dummies
Introduced back in the 19th century to stop strikers from hanging around the goal, the offside rule has been a source of huge controversy, confusion and arguably at least one war ever since. In a bid to end nearly two hundred years of hurt, we give you the definitive guide to the most mystifying law in football.
A player is offside position if:
He is closer to the opposition team’s goal than both the ball and at least two opponents (including the goalkeeper) when the ball is played to them by one of their own team.
A player is not offside if:
- He is in his own half.
- He is level with the second last opponent.
- He plays for Manchester United.
- He is not gaining an advantage by being there—like he’s really bad at football.
Plus:
You can’t be offside if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw-in or a corner kick.
If the Boot Fits
Whatever your position on the pitch, we find the football boot to match your style.
Adidas Predator Rome
Released to celebrate this year’s Champions League Final, this is the latest version of the hugely popular predator series. The main difference is the flash gold stripe down the toe but it’s also lighter and Adidas claims it offers even more swerve than before.
Great for: Midfielders and freekick specialists.
Worn by: Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.
Where: Adidas Originals Store, 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1492.
Cost: B6,990.
Puma v-Konstrukt III
Released in January, this is the third edition of the Konstrukt boot. With a real focus on protection and comfort, it comes fitted with a ball impact guard and the DuoCell unit which creates additional cushioning for the sole and heel.
Great for: Goalkeepers and defenders who spend more time kicking the opposition than the ball.
Worn by: Nemanja Vidic, Shay Given.
Where: Puma Store, various branches. Try 1/F, The Esplanade, Ratchadapisek Rd.
Cost: B6,995.
Nike Tiempo
These classic boots have been around in various forms for a while. They offer excellent touch and feel with the fold over tongue designed to give a smoother ball-striking surface.
Great for: Strikers and attacking midfielders.
Worn by: Carlos Tevez, Cesc Fabregas.
Where: Nike shop, 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd.
Cost: B1,800.
Plus: How to Watch a Game of Football and the best places where you can show off your own ball skills. Or if you love footy but would rather not run around, why not try taking foosball (a.k.a. table soccer) seriously.
