Where to watch Euro2008

The Brits are trying to pretend it isn't happening, and the Americans didn't realise it was in the first place, but Euro2008 is now fully underway.

Time differences are the burden of all Shanghai-based football fans, and as this tournament is being held in Austria and Switzerland, these matches are no exception.

During the group stages the games start at either midnight or 2:45 Shanghai time. Quarter Finals are split between 2:45 and 3:45 kick-offs and the Semis and Final are all at 3:45.

So where best to watch through bleary eyes as the Germans slot that final penalty kick home against the Dutch to take the trophy? Here are a few tips:

• The Spot — Spiritual home of most of the German boozers in Shanghai, this Tongren Lu joint has the games on a big projection screen as well as several smaller TVs, Table Football, Happy Hour prices for late games (e.g. 25 RMB Tiger) and, when we were there for Germany v Poland, free Cherries.
  331 Tongren Lu, near Beijing Lu- (021 6247 3579 for reservations)
• O'Malleys — always packed out for sporting events, during another recent late night footy fest- the Man Utd v Chelsea cup final- there were still hundreds of fans watching every kick well past bed time.
  42 Tao Jian Lu, near Hengshan Road- (021-6474-4533 for reservations)
• Big Bamboo — the branches of this award-winning sports bar pack them in from Hongqiao to Jinqiao- keep a bucket under your seat to avoid bathroom breaks and the waitress service will ensure you don't miss a kick
  Jing-An Branch- 132 Nan Yang Lu, near Tongren Lu 021 6256 2265
  HongQiao Branch- (Baby Bamboo) 26 Hong Mei Entertainment Street Lane 3383, Hongmei Lu 021 6465 9099
  JinQiao Branch 777 Biyun Lu, Jin Qiao 021 5030 4228
• Hyatt on the Bund — the well-heeled bar at the top of this 5 star hotel might not be the first place you think of, but they're running a private viewing package to encourage thirsty fans to class it up. Minimum spend of 150RMB per person for a private table with a good view, but that's hardly likely to be a problem at their prices.
  199 Huangpu Road, 021 6393 1234 (ext 6302 to book a table)


All together now- "Sha la la laaaa! Sha la la la la la laaa!"