Watch out for those German youth

Blow your vuvuzela! The U.S. is done, but the World Cup isn't dead

If, before the World Cup started, you’d told me that on June 27th the U.S. would be in the same position as England, France, and Italy, I would’ve given a mighty blast on my vuvuzela.

Oh well. At least we aren’t suffering the same torments of national self-loathing as our partners in elimination. We did just about as well as you could have reasonably expected before the games began. It’s true, however, that we had started to dream bigger dreams. The semifinals were in reach. All we had to do was beat Ghana and Uruguay. Not exactly a piece of tres leches, but doable.

Except, of course, that Ghana was the same team that showed us the door in 2006, and on Saturday it did so in a manner that was strikingly similar. In the 22nd minute of the 2006 game, Ghana defender Haminu Draman descended on a timidly dribbling Claudio Reyna like a lion falling upon a lesser animal, took the ball away in a majestic display of power, leaving Reyna crumbled on the ground, and flicked in the first goal. The U.S. came back to equalize, but it was clear that our guys couldn’t match the Ghanaians’ power.

This weekend was déjà vu all over again. The game had scarcely started when Kevin-Prince Boateng yanked (no pun intended) the ball from former Dynamo Ricardo Clark and scored a power goal of his own. (Clark had an unhappy tournament, as he allowed seventh-minute goals in two different games.) And the Black Stars winning goal in overtime came when Asamoah Gyan, looking like a bull running through the streets of Pamplona, fended off the suddenly very puny looking Carlos Bocanegra and smashed one past keeper Tim Howard — who frankly didn’t live up to his pre-tournament hype.

Having watched Ghana tiptoe their way through a losing effort against Germany, I was taken aback by their display of power and aggression against the U.S. I’d like to see how they celebrated over at the Ghana House.

Speaking of Germany, the young Teutons were the revelations of the weekend. After a lifetime of watching World War II movies in which all Germans look like they’re going to grow up to be Erich von Stroheim, it was hard for me to grasp that the young men flying with the greatest of ease through the dazed looking Brits were in fact Deutsches.

Of the European nations who have previously won a World Cup, only Germany seems to be producing exciting young talent. I wonder what the difference is between their approach and that of Italy, France and England?

Like U.S.-Ghana, Mexico-Argentina was a replay of 2006. The script didn’t change much for that pair either. The previous game was something of a classic, decided in overtime by one of the best goals I’ve ever seen (by Maxi Rodriguez). This year’s game got off to a fiery start. The Orange Bar crowd was roaring and slamming tequilas as the teams traded long breakaways and displays of dribbling and one-touch passing.

But, unlike Argentina, Mexico was not able to maneuver the ball in front of the goal, and generally had to settle for long-distance kicks — some of which came very close to going in.

El Tri lost its composure after the refs allowed a goal made by the clearly offside Carlos Tevez to stand, and they never really regained it. This game was a study in the fine line between being a good team and a great one.

Mexico displayed the elements for international success, which I believe will one day come for them, but they still can’t put it all together. Maybe they need a coach like Diego Maradona, who for me is the single best story of the tournament, and the main reason I’m now pulling for Argentina.

Friday’s semifinal between Germany and Argentina (another rematch from 2006) has the makings of a free-flowing classic.

Ghana, in the meantime, will try to muscle Uruguay, who slogged through the rain to defeat a very game and capable South Korea in Saturday’s early game. That was the least interesting match of the weekend, though it did feature a star performance by the young striker Luis Suárez. His second goal, a curling shot that he bent out of the mud and right into the inner half of the far goalpost, was the most purely beautiful play of the tournament so far.

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weekend event planner

These are the top 18 things to do in Houston during Christmas weekend

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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Welcome to a super-sized edition of CultureMap’s weekend event planner!

Yes, this lineup includes all the post-Christmas happenings going on in Houston – kid flicks at the MFAH, a bourbon-and-boots pop-up, a Beatles cover band show, a holiday burlesque revue, the most dragtastic Sunday brunch in town, etc. But we also threw in a couple events going down on Christmas Day, including some parties where you can see hometown gal Beyoncé Knowles-Carter perform during halftime of the Texans-Ravens game. Don't miss our guides to restaurants open on Christmas, bars that are decorated for the holiday, and all the light displays happening around town.

As Queen Bey would say, let’s get in formation:

Wednesday, December 25

SirDavis American Whisky presents Texans vs. Ravens Watch Parties
As Houston gets ready for the Texans vs. Ravens game — and much-anticipated halftime performance by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter — on Christmas Day, we’ve got watch parties hosted by her brand, SirDavis American Whisky, at six bars and restaurants. Tipsy Lounge, Urban Social, and Rockhouse will have events featuring SirDavis drink specials, photo booths, and a special viewing of the halftime show. The celebrations will also continue post-game at 5015 Bar and The Address, both opening at 6 pm. 3 pm (2 pm Rockhouse).

Houston Christmas Village
After you’re done getting your Christmas Day on with the fam, you can still celebrate the holidays at certain destinations in the city. A great place to start is Houston Christmas Village, which will feature light displays, performances, and flavors that will transport people to international destinations like China, Mexico, India, and Africa. Experiencing the warmth and wonder of their holiday traditions like never before. Through Monday, January 6. 5 pm.

Thursday, December 26

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
Celebrate Winter Break at the MFAH with family-friendly film offerings from the touring edition of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Join more than 100 arts organizations across the country by attending lively collections of short animation, live action, and documentary films reflecting NYICFF’s commitment to storytelling and diversity that are sure to spark meaningful conversations. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 to 10, while Big Kid Flicksis designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
You can’t have a Christmas season without A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of a miser literally getting a wake-up call from ghosts who teach him about the true meaning of Christmas.The Alley’s hit new adaptation features colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, magic, dancing, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. It is a dazzling Christmas feast with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. 7 pm (1:30 and 7 pm Friday and Saturday; 1:30 pm Sunday).

The Continental Club presents Beetle Thursday
Anyone around here celebrate Boxing Day? Originated in the United Kingdom and celebrated in several Commonwealth nations, it’s an occasion to donate gifts to people in need. (It’s also the Brits’ version of Black Friday, when you can shop for post-holiday deals.) The Continental Club will be saluting the day by bringing in Beetle, Houston’s all-Beatles cover band, to perform classic tunes from the Fab Four all evening long. 7 pm.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to Houston as part of their The Lost Christmas Eve tour. The group has released seven albums in their career, most recently Letters from the Labyrinth in 2015. But Lost, released way back in 2004, remains their most-recognized opus. Since then, they’ve done two decades of tours, selling 20 million tickets and surpassing more than $20 million in charity donations. Houstonians will have two chances to see them perform the day after Christmas. 3 and 7:30 pm.

Friday, December 27

Echoes presents “A Houston Night for Palestine”
Echoes will host “A Houston Night for Palestine,” an inspiring evening of film, music, art, and culture benefiting the family of the five surfers featured in the 2015 documentary Gaza Surf Club. The event kicks off with DJ sets by Ice House Radio both inside and outside, setting the tone for the night. Then, enjoy a special screening of Gaza, followed by an insightful Q&A with GSC member Ibrahim N. Arafat. After that, there will be live performances featuring Kam Franklin, Marrshun, Kye Loh, and Clarence James. 5 pm.

The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra presents Night in Italy
The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO Orchestra) presents Night in Italy, a nearly New Year’s Eve experience to celebrate the holidays in style. Guests are invited to begin the evening with Italian wine, appetizers, and pastries, accompanied by Italian music both classical and modern by pianist Mary Peterson. The concert will feature performances by tenor Ruben Erazo, soprano McKenzie Garey, and flautist Katherine Rivas Fuentas. 7:30 pm.

Shen Yun
Shen Yun's unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems — classical Chinese dance — along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. Through Tuesday, January 28. 7:30 pm. (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Stages presents Panto Pinocchio
Pinocchio, a sentient AI boy, navigates a town obsessed with viral TikTok dances. When Pinocchio embarks on a quest to discover his true essence, he encounters a world of digital mischief and adventure. Will he unlock the secrets to his identity? Or will the conniving villain Miss Treats disrupt the festivities and thwart Pinocchio’s journey? This panto is packed with high-tech hijinks, side-splitting jokes, and enough singing and dancing to reboot even the most jaded of operating systems. Through January 5. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 28

a’Bouzy presents Bourbon, Bubbles and Boots
Champagne-fueled French restaurant a’Bouzy will have an event this weekend that's certain to get people in a warm but rowdy spirit. Republic Boots will be down there for an afternoon pop-up shop, bringing a whole bunch of footwear for folks to peruse. Texas-based Milam & Green Whiskey will serve cocktails. We bet someone in your group will shout “Bottoms up and giddy up!” at some point during the day. 11 am.

Poppy Tart Productions presents Let It Show - Holiday Burlesque
Things will be getting snowy and sinful over at downtown nightclub Henke & Pillot this weekend. Poppy Tart Productions sleighs in Let It Show, a holiday burlesque show curated to put people in a festive mood. This event will feature an atmosphere of burlesque where art, dance, tease, glamour, and humor make the most delicious holiday cocktail. Performers from Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Austin will be featured. 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Bayou Music Center presents Sheng Wang
Comedian/actor/writer/proud Houstonian Sheng Wang is back in town for a homecoming show at Bayou Music Center. Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, was released in September 2022. He was a featured stand-up comedian on HBO’s 2 Dope Queens special and also wrote for the ABC show Fresh Off the Boat. 7 pm.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Would you like to spend the holiday season solving a murder? You can always get your sleuth on at the Dinner Detective. Guests will tackle a challenging crime while they feast on dinner. The criminal is lurking somewhere in the room, and guests may find themselves as a prime suspect before they know it. Each admission includes a full dinner, murder mystery entertainment, wait staff gratuity, prize package for Top Sleuth, and more. 6 pm.

Sunday, December 29

Rich’s presents Sunday Service Drag Brunch
Every Sunday, drag contestant (and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula contestant) Blackberri hosts Rich’s Sunday Service Drag Brunch, featuring a rotating weekly cast. You can watch these performers slay while filling your belly with such delicious dishes as shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles (with such drink choices as mimosas and Bloody Marys, of course). DJ Aracely Manterola provides the brunch beats and DJ Johnny Moreno creates a vibe on the patio before, during, and after each brunch show. 11 am, 1 and 3 pm.

Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Lancaster Hotel
Today is the last day to get holiday afternoon tea at The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston’s theater district. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, the tea includes a delectable array of tea sandwiches, decadent cranberry scones, seasonal patisseries, and a selection of exquisite teas from around the world. Guests also receive a complimentary tea tin with the hotel’s specialty holiday spiced black tea. Noon and 2:30 pm.

The River Oaks Theatre presents The Thin Man
You know what’s a good holiday movie no one talks about? The 1934 Pre-Code comedy The Thin Man. Based on Dashiell Hammett’s influential detective novel, the movie stars screen legends William Powell and Myrna Loy as jet-setting, crime-solving couple Nick and Nora Charles. They spend the holiday season in New York City, drinking cocktails and investigating the disappearance/murder of a wealthy man. Although Nick and Nora went on to have several more big-screen adventures, the original is still a blast. 1 pm.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
What better way to close out this holiday weekend than checking out The Nutcracker – Eastern-European style – at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. 3 pm.

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will be in Sugar Land this weekend.

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