I have officially parked my ass at Trali Irish Pub, Raleigh’s official World Cup HQ, right on that stool. I thought it was the best seat in the house. Then Triangle Soccer Fanatics chief Jarrett Campbell, who’s sitting at the bar (and who’s been all over the local news lately), told me he could refill his own glass from where he’s sitting. He won.

I’ll be here throughout the rest of today’s games. If you’re in the Raleigh-Durham area, stop by and say hey.