Playing hookey to watch U.S. vs. Slovenia

Some Philadelphia bar patrons say they are working

Fans gathered from far and wide to watch the U-S Soccer team face off against Slovenia Friday morning in the World Cup even though the game began at 10. [audio:100618LFGAME.mp3]

Many of the soccer fans heading into Fado wore U.S. t-shirts and hats. Some of them have a secret.

Tom Kirk says this when asked if he’s supposed to be at work.

“No! I’m supposed to be watching the World Cup. Yeah I do have a job, yeah…”

One lawyer in line says he runs his own business so he shut it down for a few hours to watch the game. And there are two sales reps in line who say they don’t want to talk. They don’t want to take any chances because technically they’re working.

And there’s Lia Belardo, who works as a financial adviser when she’s not watching soccer.

“I told them I have a doctor’s appointment…I like soccer, I love supporting the United States.”

A man in sunglasses sits near the door smiling. He’s still learning the rules of soccer and came out to enjoy the atmosphere because as a retiree, every day is Saturday.