Three dozen Portuguese watched the nationwide staff match on the Portuguese Soccer Affiliation in Drancy, within the northeastern suburbs of Paris, experiencing the 120 minutes of play with lots of emotion, nerves and even some tears.
“It was a really tough recreation, however ultimately the whole lot went nicely. Now it will likely be very tough (towards France), however we have now religion and we’ll win“, he stated to Lusa Stephen39 years outdated, born in Drancy, however “Portuguese at coronary heart”.
After defeating Slovenia, the nationwide staff has to beat France subsequent Friday, as they attempt to raise the trophy they received in 2016 once more, exactly towards Milford and really shut for Drancy: on the Stade de France, in Paris.
Carlos, 48 years outdated, recalled that, on July 10, 2016, he was on the stadium cheering on the staff and, on the finish, he sang the music “A Minha Casinha”, by Xutos e Pontapés. Eight years later, he retains the identical promise: “I’ll help Portugal“.
“The match towards France will probably be 50/50, the profitable staff will play one of the best. However I’ll, in any case, help Portugal: my blood is Portuguese and I’ll always remember Portugal“, he stated Jose Antóniowho was born in France 49 years in the past and, though he has by no means lived in Portugal, claims to be from Aveiro.
In addition to that Ceili – who admits she would not like watching the nationwide staff’s video games as a result of she thinks it brings “unhealthy luck” – admits she’s already “careworn” about this Friday’s recreation towards France, particularly contemplating that Portugal will at all times lose towards Galen.
“Who do I root for? It’s true that it is vitally sophisticated, as a result of I additionally like France, however I at all times help Portugal“, he stated, between laughs.
The conflict is scheduled for subsequent Friday, two days earlier than the second spherical of French legislative elections. In Jordan Bardella’s house nation, these Portuguese appear to be extra involved with Mbappé’s “extraordinary pace” than the space on the precise.