Bars open early for fans of the beautiful game

HIGHS AND LOWS: Croatian football fans (clockwise from left) Debbie Gow, Anita Galland, Jan Christensen, Dubravka Dujic and Mijo Katavic get into the first game of the Fifa World Cup yesterday. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 130614SP1

The Fifa World Cup has kicked off, with some of Rotorua's sports bars opening early to cater for fans of the beautiful game.

As with just about all major sporting events, Hennessy's Irish Bar and the Ruck 'n Maul have got into the spirit of things and have special licences to open early throughout the biggest sporting event in the world.

Hennessy's manager Hillary Hennessy said a small but enthusiastic crowd came in to watch the opening ceremony and first match yesterday morning, the majority of them supporting Croatia.

"We'll be open early for all the big games and on Saturday and Sunday from 9am for the Australia and England games.

"We won't be open for the very early matches at 4am, but will be showing all the replays and will be serving up some great breakfasts as well," she said.

Ruck 'n Maul manager Henry Mitchell said they had a few people in yesterday morning.

"We are doing the early matches with a breakfast from about 7am or 8am.

"I have never really watched [soccer] before but with the World Cup on I'm getting the hang of it and people are teaching me the rules," he said.

The Westbrook Tavern will also be playing tomorrow's match between Italy and England live.

Match replays will also be shown at the Pig and Whistle.

Even though the result didn't go their way, members of Rotorua's Croatian community enjoyed the atmosphere yesterday.

The match was won 3-1 by Brazil who beat Croatia after a couple of questionable refereeing decisions handed the match to the home side.

"Gutted would be the word and disappointed with the referee, but Croatia played well and it was a fun morning," said fan Mijo Katavic.

"I think we will make it out of the group [stage] so all is not lost."