The Portuguese club in Cambridge is jumping and ready for their match against Morocco. Around 100 people were in attendance to watch as their country fight for the chance to advance in one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The Portuguese Oriental Sports Club at 1054 Shellard Side Rd. in Cambridge, had everything to complete the experience, from a traditional Portuguese breakfast, jerseys and no mention of the word soccer, but futebol.
"It's very important, we call it futebol, not soccer," said Portuguese club manager Rick Martins. "Look at everyone here, were all here to support our country. It's beautiful."
There were generations of Portuguese at the club to watch the game; some just came from the country a few years ago and some immigrated decades ago and have planted deep roots in the city.
"We are going to go all the way this year," said Martins. "We really believe this is our year and it's about time someone new wins."
The game got underway and cheers rang out through the club. Everyone in attendance had at least one piece of clothing with the word Portugal on it or was wearing the country's colours, it was a sea of red and green.
While some were upset that their country's all time goal scorer and revered best player of all time, Christiano Ronoldo was coming off the bench, others like Joe Da Silva were happy to give the next generation of players a chance to win.
"Its almost like a passing of the torch," he said. "I'm sure if they need Ronoldo they'll put him in, but it's nice to see the country is in good hands."
The winner of the Portugal v. Morocco match will face the winner of the England v. France later in the day.