How You Can Watch the World Cup Semifinals at Work
Stuck at the office this week? Here's how to watch the games anyway.
— -- The worst thing about today and Wednesday's World Cup semifinals is the time.
It's taking place during prime working hours in most of the U.S., with Brazil-Germany kicking off today at 4 p.m. ET. Tomorrow's Argentina-Netherlands semifinal clash will be played at the same time.
That means millions of you are going to have to get creative in how to watch while the boss isn't looking.
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1. Watch or listen online.
If your office allows wide-ranging use of its Internet, your first stop should be ESPN.com. If you pay for cable at home, you can log in with your cable information and watch the livestream. If not, you can still follow along with ESPN's Gamecast, which is like a live blog with illustrations.
If the boss walks by, switch to the ESPN Radio audio broadcast and listen along through headphones while you type into an Excel spreadsheet on your screen.
2. No computer? Head to your phone.
Slip your phone beneath your desk and keep an eye on the game via an array of apps that will update in real time: the official FIFA app or the ESPN app are the best.
3. No Internet access? See if you can get text updates from a friend.
If you're unable to log onto the Internet during your shift, see if you can arrange for a (reliable) friend to text you live updates during the game. Just remember to put your phone on silent.
4. Take a long break and duck into a restaurant or bar with the game on.
Most bars and restaurants that have TVs will have the game on in the afternoon, so ducking out to one might be the best way to catch the action on a big screen (with other cheering fans).
5. Don't you have a doctor's appointment?
If all else fails, and you have no phone or computer access and no lunch break, that old stomach ache of yours may have to act up. Strep throat, a dentist appointment, and other vague maladies can also get you excused for a short time. We're not saying you should lie, but you should take care of your health -- nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
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