The World Cup may already have started, and you may care more about what the Lakers do tonight, but don't dismiss this soccer bonanza. Most Americans focus more on basketball and the kind of football with a pigskin, but this original foot/ball game is adored by the rest of the world. And why not? There's running, yelling, scoring, and shirt removing all the time. Since you probably have the kind of mid-day free time elusive to others, grab a beer at 7 or 11am and settle in for some international action.

It's wonderful to find bars across America open early to accommodate the hoards who can't imagine watching soccer without a beer in hand. Find out where the best soccer loving bars (read: South American, German, anything not American) viewing parties will be on Total Soccer Blog. ClubPlanet (who knew they cared about soccer?) and Goal.com recommend Capitol City Sports Bar in Hollywood. The Los Angeles chapter of American Outlaws made this bar their viewing party central, probably because Capitol City has 45 televisions which should keep every one with a prime viewing location. The City of Santa Monica is even getting involved by listing bars and hosting a World Cup event at the library tonight.

For valley viewing, many have recommended McGs in Chatsworth which is now equipped with HD projectors or Fox and Hounds in Studio City. The Fox and Hound will require tickets ($10) to the most popular games, so reserve your seat now if you want to head over there. For city folk, we recommend The Cat & Fiddle because they have $1.50 sausage rolls and $3 beer. The Blue Palms Brewhouse will also be open by 6am for viewing mayhem.

Downtown you can go to Crewest where viewing parties are being combined with an art exhibit focused on-what else?- soccer! Also, the LA Galaxy has endorsed the ESPN zone and their viewing parties will even feature appearances by players.

Before you hit any of these venues (and there are many more scattered around the city), brush up on some basic soccer on sites like FIFA, Big Soccer, 100% Soccer, and of course Wikipedia.

And, did we mention most viewing venues are offering food and drink specials? Go Team USA!