US apathy to "soccer" hits new heights

The hunt to locate a US firm showing today's game against the Czech Republic, which kicked off at 5pm, is bearing little fruit.

Come on guys! This is a big game, ferchrissakes!! The US are fifth in FIFA's world rankings, equal with Spain. The Czech Republic are second, equal with nobody!

But there's nothing at Reed Smith, nothing at Milbank Tweed, nothing at Cleary Gottlieb … What are those poor, downtrodden US associates gonna do?

Over at Orrick, Tulkinghorn managed to unearth New York partner Burt Haimes, who it appears is chairman of the board of the American Youth Soccer Organization. And a member of the executive committee and national board of directors of the United States Soccer Federation. And a member of the board of directors of the United States Soccer Hall of Fame. And even a member of FIFA's Committee on Ethics and Fair Play.

So Burt's a pretty well-connected guy, and has managed to supply one lucky London partner with tickets for the Munich semi-final. Corporate partner Dean Poster's hoping England will reach it.

But guess what? Orrick still can't be arsed to screen the US-Czech game this afternoon.

Is there a single US firm in London that cares about football, ahem, or even soccer!?