Football World Cup: Bars brace for England semi-final frenzy

France were the first team to book their spot in Monday's final with a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

Their clinical performance showed they're worthy winners of FIFA's trademark event, but they'll have to get past either England or Croatia to lift the trophy - countries that are renowned for their passionate fans.

The French fans that were at Auckland's The Fox Sports Bar in Auckland showed their desire for success - raucous celebrations at the full-time whistle followed by plenty of embracing, singing and clapping. One happy couple were so amorous they felt the need to give us a big old snog in front of the camera. Cute!

But by the bar owner's own admission, the 100 or so spectators that dared to watch the France-Belgium game in Auckland's Viaduct at 6am on Wednesday morning will be nothing compared to what he expects to get for the second semi-final.

Demand is so high to watch England matches The Fox sold tickets for the second semi. All 350 of them were sold out in 40 minutes.

Patrick Lopez, the bar's owner, did the same for the quarterfinal win against Sweden. The excitement got the better of the fans who broke the pool table, projector and more.

"There's beer on the screens; the floors are still sticky; they broke glasses," Mr Lopez told Newshub.

"But it's good. It was all in excitement."

The damage totalled more than $1000, and while Mr Lopez accounts for general breakages he was not disgruntled. He said he quite enjoyed the English fans' passion.

The Fox's security staff will look to front foot any over exuberant fans at the beginning of the game so it doesn't get out of control. They will also serve beer in plastic cups for Thursday morning's game and not glass.

Mr Lopez would actually like England to win, and not only because he backs them.

"It's better for business as well," Mr Lopez joked.

"So I'm backing the English all the way."

It's what a lot of the French fans wanted after the match as well - a France-England final. That outcome was not so unanimous on the football field though, especially at Auckland's Central United.

"It's coming home," said midfielder Mario Illich. "Yeah, I've heard enough of that."

Central United is a bit of an anomaly in New Zealand Football terms. Typically, clubs have strong links and influence from England, but Central is very much a club entrenched in Croatian culture.

Alfie Rogers, who moved to New Zealand from England as a child, knows that, and finds himself in the unfamiliar position - at least in New Zealand - of being the minority.

"I've been getting a lot of stick from people at the club," Mr Rogers said.

He also mentioned whatever happens in Thursday's match might influence whether he plays this Saturday. Time will tell, with the winner of England and Croatia set to dance with France in the final.

Even if it's not that entertaining on the pitch, it's sure to be colourful off it.

Newshub.

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