Photo from FIFA World Cup

Yakov Lysenko, 19, is a journalism student at Moscow State University and a correspondent for Gazeta.ru, one of the most popular Russian language news sources, serving over a million readers daily, where he specializes in social issues, education and healthcare reform. He is visiting the Long Beach Post newsroom for the next two weeks as an intern with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) exchange program.

On Thursday Russia and Saudi Arabia will kick off the first match of the FIFA World Cup. This year it will be held in Russia—for the first time in the nation’s history—from June 14 to July 15 with soccer matches scheduled to take place in 11 Russian cities.

However, you don’t need to go to Russia to enjoy the games — broadcasts of most matches will be showed in pubs and restaurants throughout Long Beach.

Rasselbock 

If you are crazy about German cuisine then Rasselbock will be the perfect place for you. It has 35 German and Belgian beers on tap and a great selection of German and Californian wines. As for the World Cup, it will be shown on seven TVs inside and outside on its patio.

Rasselbock will kick off Father’s Day with the 8:00AM broadcast of the match between Germany and Mexico on June 17. Rasselbock will also show all Germany and Mexico matches in the group stage, as well as all games after in the elimination rounds.

Those who remain until the end of the match will be able to get 50 percent off Erdinger beers. Patrons can check out the dog-friendly patio, food and drink specials during all of the matches, beer sponsor giveaways and special World Cup breakfast and brunch menus.

Rasselbock is located at 4020 Atlantic Avenue.

The Eldo Pub 

Almost all the games will be shown in the South African-influenced gastropub, The Eldo Pub. The first game will be shown on Sunday June 17 (opening at 8:00AM for breakfast), and at the same time for the game on June 23. With 14 screens and 30 types of craft beer, patrons will have a large domestic and wine selection. As for dishes, Eldo will serve steaks, burgers, sandwiches and South African curry.

Moreover, you are free to bring your kids and pets to the pub. With a special kids menu, guests of the family-friendly restaurant can bring their children. There is also a patio zone where guests can stay with their dog, according to an Eldo employee.

The Eldo Pub is located at 3014 North Studebaker Road.

Legends Sports Bar 

Opening at 5:00AM during the World Cup, Legends serves American breakfast everyday. Mimosas, Bloody Marys and 25 craft beers will be available, while for lunch they serve burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Legends has 30-plus HDTVs and two giant projection screens. The sports bar closes at midnight on weekdays and at 2:00AM on weekends. A selection of Happy Hour food specials are offered Monday through Friday from 3:00PM to 6:00PM.

Legends Sports Bar is located at 5236 East 2nd Street.

Gallagher’s Pub & Grill 

Another place to watch the World Cup is Gallagher’s where most of the games will be streamed. Why? Because it’s an Irish pub and soccer games here are always an unforgettable experience. Moreover, American and Irish food will be served. Happy hours are Monday to Thursday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Saturday and Sunday specials include $1 off all pints.

Gallagher’s Pub & Grill is located at 2751 East Broadway.

EJ Malloy’s 

One more Irish pub you should check out is EJ Malloy’s where most of the games will be broadcasted. For some of them the pub will open early. If you look at the menu you will see burgers, pastas, fish and chips, French dip sandwiches and their popular Gorgonzola fries. There are 20 beers on tap, also many local breweries included. All the games will be streamed on the pub’s 10 or so HDTVs. .

EJ Malloy’s is located at 3411 East Broadway.