The FIFA World Cup may be thousands of kilometres away, but the owner of a local barber shop is bringing the soccer spirit to the streets of Smithers.
Klaus Mueller, the owner of Hair Mueller Barber, and Neil Worsfold have covered their windows and walls in soccer paraphernalia from flags and jerseys to a detailed chart of teams playing in the FIFA World Cup.
“When it comes to soccer, we’re big fans,” said Mueller.
The Brazil flag, Lionel Messi jersey, and Thomas Müller jersey currently draped in the main window holds a special place in Mueller’s heart.
“Eight years ago, I went to Germany and the World Cup was on,” he said. “I brought back a bunch of soccer mementos.”
The soccer fanatics have also designed a collage that has all 32 teams and shows their progression in the World Cup.
“Even tourists stop and take photos,” added Worsfold.
Mueller and Worsfold love the game so much that they gave seven-year-old Emery Marchand a free haircut for sporting a team Germany T-shirt.
While Mueller is rooting for Germany and Worsfold for Argentina or Brazil, both agree, it isn’t all about who wins or loses.
“We all have our favourites. If your team gets knocked out, pick a new one. It’s just neat to watch,” said Mueller.
But don’t expect to get a haircut during an important match.
“When Germany played the last game, I had to stop,” joked Mueller. “They were tied 1-1 . . . that’s a good way to lose an ear.”