As APIA bring the world together with the work we do, so does world cup soccer! The World Cup is one of the most followed international sporting events in the world and takes place every 4 years. Many of our au pairs come from the countries represented and take great pride in supporting their national soccer teams.
The tournament kicks off today when Brazil plays Croatia in Sao Paulo. It will mark the 20th edition of the World Cup, which will culminate with the final on July 13 in Rio de Janeiro. The World Cup will feature 32 nations — placed in groups with four teams apiece — and a total of 64 games. Defending champion Spain will have to contend with the likes of Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Italy if it wants to retain its title. The United States has qualified for its seventh straight World Cup and will be looking to get out of a very tough group that features Germany, Portugal and Ghana.
The host nation has won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002) and will be going for a sixth before a home crowd. Anything short of lifting the trophy will be a tough day for Brazil. To my Brazilian au pairs: good luck, I know you love your soccer!
The groups are as follows:
Group A Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Group B Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C Colombia, Greece, Cote d’lvoire. Japan
Group D Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
Group G Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA
Group H Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic
there is a FIFA world cup app they can download to follow the scores and latest news.
For more news and information go to the official FIFA World Cup website
On Sunday, June 8th, Host Families and their Au Pairs enjoyed lovely weather, as well as international foods, at Ft. McHenry overlooking the Patapsco River. Three different cluster areas were represented – Annapolis, Baltimore and Columbia. While people mingled naturally, they had some fun with the “Speed Dating” game that kept them moving amongst each other at the sound of a whistle every few minutes. 
A lighthearted way to keep things moving! A face painter was on hand for the children so that the Au Pairs were able to also mingle with the families. A great way for families to be introduced to new countries, that they may want to host an Au Pair from in the future.
Thank you SO much for coming out to our Multi-cluster picnic yesterday at Ft. McHenry. The food was fantastic, the kids had a blast, the face painting was incredible and the weather turned out to be lovely! Thanks to all our au pairs and host families who came out and made this event turn out so wonderfully!
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