Tokoroa High School sent 45 students, teachers and parents to Hamilton's Waikato Stadium to cheer on the Junior All Whites. Photo / David Kerr
Tokoroa High School sent 45 students, teachers and parents to Hamilton's Waikato Stadium to cheer on the Junior All Whites. Photo / David Kerr
Supporters bring party mood as Portugal pros take on U-20 Kiwis.
It may have been wet but it didn't dampen the mood of the crowd that descended on Waikato Stadium last night as the Junior All Whites tried to make history against European pros Portugal.
Rain was intermittent but heavy in patches and hampered a push for a "white-out" by All Whites fans who had to opt for raincoats and brollies.
But it didn't cause problems for fans making their way to the stadium for the New Zealand side's round of 16 game at the Fifa U-20 World Cup.
Fans came equipped with drums, trumpets, horns and other instruments creating a party-like atmosphere as Portugal battled to a 2-1 win.
Tokoroa High School was well represented with 45 students, teachers and parents travelling up for the game. Teacher Attila Kiss said most of the students were players from their junior and senior girls' teams.
The group, some dressed in their favourite white outfits, including a cow onesie, were all hoping for a Junior All Whites win.
The Anderson family, Rochelle and husband Warwick with daughters Kate, 4, and Holly, 9, travelled up from Te Awamutu to support the Junior All Whites.
Hamilton-based Colombian Victoria Forero, of Agora Cafe which also operates as a community charity, was helping host about 70 migrants and refugees from countries including the Middle East, Burma, Africa and Colombia.
Some Kiwi fans weren't too confident early on. Craig Elliott, of Rotorua, brought his two sons Regan, 11, and Cody, 18, and Cody's friend Eamon O'Donoghue, also 18. Mr Elliott said he had to think with his head, which was a Portugal win.
"I'm thinking a 4-1 win. They're a class outfit."
Portugal fans in high sprits before the match at Waikato Stadium. Photo / David Kerr
Kiwi-based Portuguese friends Davide Teixeira, of Pukekohe, and Alberico Miranda, of Hastings, were heard before they were seen as they traipsed into the stadium, singing "ole, ole, ole, ole".
As they went in to see the game, Paulo and Angela Nunes, parents of No 3, Joao Nunes, were in no doubt their team would beat the Kiwis.
Luiza and Marcos Lopes, parents of star player Rony Lopes, were also excited to be on tour supporting their son.
The stadium holds 25,000 but was about half empty. Hot chips, hot dogs, burgers and pizza helped warm the fans.
