Friction Beer Co. in Shawnee once again turned match day into a home base for local England supporters as the Three Lions faced Argentina in a World Cup semifinal. England scored first, but Argentina rallied late and won 2-1, ending England’s tournament run and leaving fans who had followed along from Kansas City’s England Supporters Club with heartbreak instead of celebration.
During the tournament, the brewery had hosted England match days as its busiest days ever, drawing supporters together for a shared experience. The article from KMBC 9 describes how the group had been meeting at Friction Beer Co. and how fans watched their team train in Kansas City leading up to matches.
For Andy Glennon, a supporter who moved from England to Missouri seven years ago, the semifinal night reflected the larger community connection formed around World Cup games. Friction Beer Co. manager Jes Steinberg said the atmosphere has been special, but noted that after this semifinal, some supporters are heading back to England rather than returning for the next match.
Argentina advances to play Spain in the championship match on Sunday. England will face France in the third-place match on Saturday.
Shawnee brewery watch party ends with England eliminated in World Cup semifinal
