Washington Informer

Every four years, soccer enthusiasts look forward to the World Cup Soccer Tournament.

This year the focus is on South Africa, the host country where the games are being played in 10 locations. The USA, making its fifth appearance, numbers among the 32 teams that will participate in the tournament.

During each World Cup, fans in the area often meet friends at sports bars that televise the games to see their favorite teams in action. Last Sat., June 12 avid soccer fans from various countries watched the USA vs. England game live on two jumbo screens in Dupont Circle in Northwest. The screens, compliments of the U.S. Park Service, Soccer in the Circle and the D.C. United Screaming Eagles fan club added to the excitement of the upcoming game.

An hour before the 2:30 p.m., kick-off, traffic surrounding the popular park was jammed, as cars tried to get around thousands of fans determined to find a spot where they could watch the game. By the start of the game, sports fans had packed the Circle; some fans even climbed trees and settled in for the two hour game. Area fast food shops enjoyed a brisk business as fans grabbed lunch and enjoyed their meals in the park. Although the temps soared, the trees and the fountain provided shade and an occasional breeze. The fans, mostly USA supporters, teased individuals who showed up to cheer for England.

Fans that showed up to support England, however, had the first opportunity to celebrate when England scored its first goal, six minutes into the game. But, the USA team’s goal later, proved to be deafening.

When the game ended, traffic around Dupont Circle returned to normal as fans headed off to enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

The USA's World Cup journey continues, Fri., June 18 against Slovenia at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, and again Wed., June 23 against Algeria in Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Both matches kick-off at 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET) live on ESPN HD and Univision, with special pre-game coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m., on ESPN.

The Los Angeles Lakers captured their 16th NBA championship with a hard fought 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics Thursday night at the Staples Center in front of a packed house of 18,997. The Lakers ,who shot 32.5%, from the floor outscored the Celtics 30-22 in the fourth quarter.

“ Well its done. It wasn’t well done, but it was done,” said Laker head coach Phil Jackson at his post game press conference.” I thought our defense was terrific. We were able to step in and play the defense that we’ve established as our calling card for this team, and we found a way to generate points.

Kobe Bryant who shot 6-24 from the floor finishing with 23 points while grabbing 15 rebounds needed help from his teammates and Ron Artest had his best game of the playoffs scoring 12 of his 20 points in the second half.

“ I wanted it so, bad,” said Bryant. “ On top of that, I was on E. Man, I was really, really tired, and the more I tried to push, the more it kept getting away from me.”