PlanetEye

Today is a very important day for Spain as it enters the semi-finals with Russia in the 2008 Euro Cup. Although football fever exists in Madrid pretty much all year round, this is clearly a special tournament. Going out to watch the game is a must-do cultural affair -- but dare you not support Russia.

Should you want to be part of an excited mob of people, go to Plaza de Colon to watch the game. There is a huge screen put up and you will be moshed amongst thousands of football-crazy Spaniards. 

If Spain wins today, you will be part of extreme euphoria; if it looses you will be forced into mourning like you've never mourned before. Until the game is over, the streets will be empty and so will every restaurant that is not broadcasting the match.

Unfortunately, I'm not in Madrid this month to enjoy the football fever as Spain moves swiftly closer to the final, so other than Plaza de Colon, this year's hot spots I don't have. But not to worry, what I do know is that every second bar will be full of people chugging their beers as they wait for the game to come on, so a good place will be any place that is showing the match. 

The bigger and nicer indoor places screening the game are the English and Irish pubs in the city, where you will find a good mix of both expats and locals -- so going to these places to watch the football is completely acceptable. Here is a good list of most of the main Irish/British pubs in Madrid that will definitely be screening the game.

Also, a few weeks ago I wrote about some of the coolest barrios in the city (there are more, I'll have to do another list at some point!), just walking around these areas you will know exactly where to go to watch the game with a large group of football enthusiasts! 

Go Spain!