Portuguese fans – and others – are confident of Portugal’s victory over Georgia in the third round of Group F of Euro 2024 football, which takes place this Wednesday on a hot day in Gelsenkirchen.
About three hours before kick-off, scheduled for 21:00 local time (20:00 in Lisbon), thermometers in Gelsenkirchen exceeded 30 degrees, and fans outside the Veltins Arena were looking for the few available shades to “take cover” ” from the sun. .
Anywhere there is shade, be it from a tree or any other structure, there is a crowd of fans wearing the colors of both teams, waiting for the doors to open to enter the stadium.
The fresh drinks are also a treasure, and even the high prices don’t deter fans.
Rui Barreiro, who was also looking for shade abroad, traveled from Zurich, Switzerland, with his wife and two children to watch Portugal’s game against Georgia, confident of another Portuguese triumph after their 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. and Türkiye (3-0).
“It’s very exciting to be here and we’ve enjoyed watching Portugal at this European Championship. A win today, although it doesn’t cost anything, always has some meaning, if only because of the motivation it will give for the next game.” – he said. in Luse’s statements.
The Portuguese fan also admitted that among the options for the round of 16, Hungary or Slovenia, he prefers the Hungarian team, highlighting the difficulties that the Kinas team will have to face in a campaign they want to win triumphantly, with the presence of France and Spain, for example, on the Portuguese side of the picture.
The wife, Maria José Barreiros, is more confident than her husband, believing Portugal will “beat them all” on their way to the coveted title in the final in Berlin.
In addition to Portugal fans, there are also Cristiano Ronaldo fans who go the extra mile to see the Portugal captain live, even if it means traveling 10 hours.
That’s exactly what a Chinese couple in Gelsenkirchen did, both fully kitted out in Portugal colors and a jersey with the number ‘7’ on it, to watch the match, happy that Ronaldo had been confirmed in the ‘eleven’ and believing in a Portuguese triumph. . at Euro2024.
Another four fans, who were abroad and painted the Portuguese flag on their faces, traveled from Vietnam especially to see Ronaldo – a phenomenon widely seen at this European Championship, with the moving “seven” crowd.
Georgia-Portugal, the first official game between the two teams, will take place at the Weltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen and will be refereed by Swiss Sandro Scharer.
Kinas have already secured their place in the round of 16 by finishing first in Pool F and know they will face either Hungary, third in Group A, or Slovenia, third in Group C, on Monday. while newcomer Georgia needs to win to qualify.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.