Ewing, hailing from Belfast, Ireland, has been a bartender at Molly Malone’s Capitol Hill Saloon for four years. He has been monitoring the World Cup crowd at the bar, and plays a bit of soccer when he gets the chance.
What was the crowd like for the U.S-England match?
We were super packed … it was just insanity. Besides St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s, it was one of busiest days we’ve had. We actually had to stop people from coming in the door.
What happened when the U.S. and England tied?
We had a lot of U.S. fans and a few England fans, and they were just celebrating like crazy. We’re expecting a huge crowd on Friday.
Have you run into people who never watched soccer before now?
A lot, a lot — especially from the lunch crowd, people just coming up out of curiosity.
Who are you rooting for?
I gotta say the U.S., first and foremost, but I’m also for England. But I think Spain will probably be the team that will win it.
What’s been the best moment in the World Cup for you so far?
When New Zealand scored, because New Zealand had never got a point in the whole of the World Cup, and they scored in the 93rd minute, so they scored in literally the last minute. That was pretty interesting. Obviously the atmosphere for the US-England game was phenomenal.
What’s the best drink to accompany watching the games?
Smithwicks Irish Ale, because it’s the best beer on the planet. And it’s $4.
What’s going to be the next big game for you?
The US-Slovenia game on Friday at 10 a.m. A lot of people are telling me they are gonna take the whole day off work for it. – Liz Essley
