(Courtesy: @Portugal/ Instagram)
Today marks the last World Cup match taking place in Toronto, marking an even more monumental moment for the Portuguese and Croatian communities in the city.
As the national soccer teams of Portugal and Croatia prepare for tonight’s knockout match, the atmosphere in Toronto is particularly emotional.
For the city’s extensive Portuguese and Croatian residents, this high-stakes match will be a surreal and significant moment in this shared cultural experience.
On July 1, the city was electric with thousands of fans welcoming Portuguese star player Cristiano Ronaldo where Team Portugal is staying, and at crowded fans gathered at Centennial Park in Etobicoke where the team was practicing for today’s game.
Soccer is “the way of life”
For both cultures, soccer is more than just a game.
“Soccer to us is life. It’s not even a sport, it’s just the way of life. So, the fact that our national team, our pride and joy, keeping the skin is what we call them,” said Ricardo Pinto, owner of St. Matthew’s BBQ Chicken in Toronto.
St. Matthew’s BBQ Chicken in Toronto has been serving authentic Portuguese dishes that have been passed down through generations since 1994.
Ricardo Pinto and his wife Catarina Robalo, took ownership of the restaurant from Pinto’s family about nine years ago, continuing to bring traditional Portuguese cuisine to the city. Known for their grilled meats, chicken, rice and potatoes, St. Matthew’s BBQ brings good quality food and community pride to the city.
SIIIUUUU!
Pinto reflected on the cultural pride held by the Portuguese community, describing the core of their identity.
“We cook food, we work hard, we party hard, we love hard. We just have a good time. We support each other. We’re a great community,” he told The Brandon Gonez Show.
He also shared how important this World Cup match is to the community as Team Portugal is set to play on home soil.
“The man himself, Ronaldo, will be standing in Toronto. That’s life right there, that’s everything,” said Pinto. “I grew up watching Ronaldo. He made it normal for us to have expectations, have goals, and actually go up against the big guys. And Ronaldo has been fantastic, he’s a great role model, great player,” he added.
Pinto is confident that Team Portugal will advance to the Round of 16, although admits that Croatia will put up a strong fight.
“Portugal will win, come out victorious. It’s going to be stressful. We’re playing a great team. Croatia is fantastic,” he says.
Brandon Gonez and Ricardo Pinto at St. Matthew’s BBQ Chicken.
Thousands of fans set to take over Toronto pre-game
Portugal fans are meeting at 3:30 p.m. at Stanley Park to march towards Toronto Stadium, and Croatia fans will meet at Croatia House at 5 p.m.
Despite the extreme heat taking over Toronto, thousands of fans of both teams are expected to bring lots of energy to the streets.
The stakes are significantly high as the winner of this knockout Round of 32 match will face Spain or Austria next. Depending on who advances, this could be the final World Cup tournament for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia’s captain, Luka Modrić.
Kick off for the Portugal and Croatia march is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Toronto Stadium.
