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Obama offered ‘beer bet’ by Belgian PM
US President Barack Obama has been challenged to a ‘beer bet’ by Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo over their countries’ impending World Cup knock-out match — with “great Belgian beers” at stake should the Americans win.
Betting man: Belgian PM Elio Di Rupo
On Thursday, Belgium beat South Korea 1-0 to top Group H, setting up a clash with the United States after Juergen Klinsmann’s team pipped Portugal to second place in Group G on goal, difference despite losing to Germany.
“Hey @BarackObama, I am betting some great Belgian beers that our @BelRedDevils will make it to the quarter final!” Di Rupo tweeted in the early hours of Friday.
As of Friday morning, the US President had not replied to the challenge.
He may be well advised to abstain from such a bet, as Belgium are the bookies favourites going into last 16 match on Tuesday.
President Obama greeting the 2010 world cup squad
However, the U.S team and their enormous fan-base are surprisingly taking the tournament by storm this time around, as the States look to be embracing ‘soccer’ more than ever before.
Viral videos like the one featuring actor Will Ferrell’s appearance at the American fans’ bar before the clash with Germany has raised the profile of the team to no end, encouraging momentum that the might fill the President with some encouragement.
And Mr Obama is in a good place to decide wether or not to take up the bet, seeing as he has been fervently keeping up with the action, even mid-flight on Air Force One.
Put your money where your mouth is: Obama catches the action aboard Air Force One