Would you happen to be one of the unlucky ones who are unable to get an extended lunch break or a day off to watch Team USA beat the Germans on Thursday? Buzzfeed noted that ahead of the match in Recife, the official Twitter account posted a tweet which include what appeared to be a legitimate excuse letter signe by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann on behalf of the US Men's National Team for people to use to get off from work or take a longer lunch break to support them in their do-or-die match to qualify for the knockout rounds.
One part of the letter read, "I understand that this absence may reduce the productivity of your workplace, but I can assure you that it is for an important cause. The #USMNT has a critical World Cup game vs. Germany and we will need the full support of the nation if we are to advance to the next round. By the way, you should act like a good leader and take the day off as well. Go USA!"
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had answered Klinsmann's call by issuing a mandate for all state employees to have an extra-long lunch break to watch the World Cup match.
Part of Cuomo's letter, which was written in official stationary with the State of New York Executive Chamber seal and was subsequently published on the state government's website, read, "The State of New York stands strongly behind Team USA. Therefore, I am approving an extra hour for an extended lunch today for every New York State employee, beginning at 12:00 PM, so they can root Team USA on to victory."
Cuomo also commended Klinsmann for providing a business-like excuse letter for individuals who do wish to pursue a leave or an extended lunch break to watch the game, Buzzfeed noted.
Cuomo is not the only personality who had answered to Klinsmann's call. TIME reported that funnyman Will Ferrell crashed a event in Recife to pump up US supporters ahead of the match. Twitter user Doug Mills shared a photo of US President Barack Obama watching the US-Germany match along with his aides abroad Air Force One enroute to an obligation in Minneapolis.
