Winnipeg pub bracing for England’s quarter final match at World Cup

With the World Cup of Soccer down to just six teams, fans are hitting up hot spots across the city to watch the matches.

The King’s Head Pub downtown is gearing up for the quarterfinal matchup between England and Sweden Saturday morning.

Owner Chris Graves said the pub will open at 8:30 a.m., half an hour before the game starts. And he expects a line up out the door, with anywhere from 100-150 English fans waiting to get in.

He said fans supporting several different countries have visited his pub during the tournament, far more than any previous soccer event.

The game starts at 9 a.m.

Meanwhile on Friday, France and Belgium both advanced to the semi-finals. France shut out Uruguay 2-0 while Belgium beat Brazil 2-1.

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The Belgium Club in Winnipeg was packed with Belgian supporters during the game.

“It’s very much grown in excitement. Everyone is getting more into the spirit as the finals get closer, and I think we can make it this year, I hope,” said Belgium supporter Jean-Luc Speliers.

Speliers added that the soccer tournament has created energy across the city.

“It’s really good for the city. It’s really good for all the different communities, the ethnicity in the community and everything like that, so it’s really good for all of us. Brings the city together,” he said,

The Deli Brazil Cafe was also full of Brazilian soccer fans during the game.

Six countries remain in the World Cup, including Sweden, England, Russia, Croatia, France and Belgium.