Germany supporter Monique Surges is expecting about 70 people to join her at the Fox Sports Bar in central Auckland on Wednesday morning. Photo / Chris Loufte
Three days ago the World Cup was at their feet. Now four fans have had their hopes of football glory dashed in the tournament's quarter-finals.
On Friday the Herald spoke to ex-pat supporters of the remaining eight teams.
Now the eight have become four after a weekend of tense clashes.
Germany supporter Monique Surges is expecting about 70 people to join her at the Fox Sports Bar in central Auckland on Wednesday morning for her home country's semifinal against host nation Brazil.
"We've basically organised a part of the Fox for all our members and their clients," said the chief executive of the New Zealand German Business Association.
Traditionally the association booked a separate room for members to watch the match, she said.
"We have in the past - even the final where Germany wasn't in it but it was played in Germany - we had 200 people."
The room at the Fox, where Ms Surges watched her team overcome France early on Saturday with other German supporters, could fit only 70 people.
However, Brazilian fans were still welcome, she said.
"We've basically got a list of all the [Brazilian] business association and business club and various other things we were going to contact ... and see if whether we can rile them up to come and join us," Ms Surges told the Herald.
A victorious morning would definitely result in celebrations before work, she said.
"We'll probably have to go to work at some point - we're responsible, effective Germans."
The second semifinal match is between the Netherlands and Argentina on Thursday morning.
All Whites' players now have four months at their various clubs to make their case.