Too bad I didn't make my 120-square-meter discovery 24 hours earlier. Then I could've at least watched the U.S. soccer team lose on a gigantic TV instead of some little 13-incher. Oh, well, I guess when you can't speak the native language, you're going to miss a thing or two.
I should've known better, though.Hundreds of thousands of foreigners are scattered throughout France, and seating is very precious for each World Cup game. But those plentiful ticketless fans still want to experience the game in a large soccer gathering.
Accommodating us soccer fans are seven Jumbotrons placed in plazas throughout Paris.
I stumbled across one of these sports-fan's-dream televisions Tuesday, the day after Germany spanked the United States 2-0. Kickoff was nearing, and just by looking at a portion of the fans, it was obvious who was playing - at least one of the teams was.
In what country can grown men possibly wear dresses and not be laughed at? Only Scotland.
Among the thousand fans gathered in this plaza were hundreds of Scots bearing flags and beer. They chanted during lineup introductions. They sang during their national anthem, and everyone else just soaked in the entertainment.
There were a few Norway fans among the audience, but they were in the obvious minority.
With each Scotland failed scoring opportunity, the Scots grew restless. The Scottish soccer team has provided one failure after another with each passing World Cup - and that's even if it qualifies.
And don't be fooled by that golf image, this is a country whose citizens have hearts shaped like soccer balls. And when Norway scored early in the first half, those hearts started deflating faster than William Wallace could slay a dozen men.
A couple of spirited Scots tried desperately to get their countrymen fired up again, but it was hopeless. They sensed a loss, and also that a loss essentially eliminated any hopes of a successful World Cup.
In a matter of seconds though, the scenario changed. Scotland tied it at 1-1 and sent a section of the plaza into pandemonium. There hasn't been that much Scottish pride since Mel Gibson started painting his face blue.
The next day, the only thing that changed was the flags the fans were waving. The Scottish flags were replaced by Chilean flags. The Chileans sang songs, played drums and cheered for each quality scoring opportunity.
A television reporter from Chile led many of the chants - so much for objective reporting. And when Chile finally struck first, chaos ensued.
Chile is another country starving for national pride, and those citizens are expecting soccer to bring it to them.
Celebration in the plaza was a bit premature though, because Austria scored in the final minute to even the score.
I can't wait to see the plaza when France is playing.
Things like a plaza full of foreigners is what makes being at the World Cup so amazing. I'm watching soccer and interacting with people from around the world. Brazil, Iran, Japan and Norway, their fans are all right here representing the outreaches of the globe.
That's why I think people who are opposed to the Olympics in 2002 are crazy. Only 32 countries are represented here in Paris, but hundreds will be represented in the Olympics. And the next best thing to being there is bringing it into your back yard. At least that's the way the French feel.