DESPITE having travelled thousands of kilometers from home for the World Cup, Portugal's squad is finding southern Africa to be familiar territory.
DESPITE having travelled thousands of kilometers from home for the World Cup, Portugal's squad is finding southern Africa to be familiar territory.
About 500000 Portuguese immigrants live in South Africa, and 30000 fans turned out in Johannesburg on Tuesday to watch the team beat Mozambique 3-0 in its last warm-up game.
Coach Carlos Queiroz believes the local support could be a sizable advantage at Africa's first World Cup when Portugal opens its schedule at Africa's first World Cup against Ivory Coast on Tuesday at Port Elizabeth.
"It's going to be like playing at home," said Queiroz who also coached Bafana Bafana.
Looking ahead to their match against Ivory Coast, Queiroz acknowledged The Indomitable Lions' strength and potential.
l Ivory Coast dangerman Didier Drogba looked fit when trained alone at a training session at Goerge Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville yesterday. - Sapa-AP and Ntwaagae Seleke
Portugal squad feeling at home in SA
DESPITE having travelled thousands of kilometers from home for the World Cup, Portugal's squad is finding southern Africa to be familiar territory.
DESPITE having travelled thousands of kilometers from home for the World Cup, Portugal's squad is finding southern Africa to be familiar territory.
About 500000 Portuguese immigrants live in South Africa, and 30000 fans turned out in Johannesburg on Tuesday to watch the team beat Mozambique 3-0 in its last warm-up game.
Coach Carlos Queiroz believes the local support could be a sizable advantage at Africa's first World Cup when Portugal opens its schedule at Africa's first World Cup against Ivory Coast on Tuesday at Port Elizabeth.
"It's going to be like playing at home," said Queiroz who also coached Bafana Bafana.
Looking ahead to their match against Ivory Coast, Queiroz acknowledged The Indomitable Lions' strength and potential.
l Ivory Coast dangerman Didier Drogba looked fit when trained alone at a training session at Goerge Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville yesterday. - Sapa-AP and Ntwaagae Seleke