Euro Cup 2016 Portugal & France @ Garden Square

Vitoria is Sweet Music for Portugal

Written by Bret Sheppard

Garden Square has hosted several popular events within the last year that has drawn plenty of fan support, but Sunday July 10, 2016 had to be the biggest crowd to date. Last October Blue Jay Play-off race was packed, then this past spring The Toronto Raptors went on a run that had Garden Square jumping. Plus don’t forget the Movie nights that draw plenty to the Square to partake in watching the films.

Many more watching from the Works Restaurant & Starbucks

A Sea of fans

 However, The Euro 2016 Final Match pitting Portugal vs France had to be the greatest congregation Garden Square has seen for a live event on the Big Screen. Every spot was filled and it was basically wall to wall people.

Throughout the tournament the crowds were always strong, especially whenever Portugal was playing, didn’t even mattered if it was in the middle of a work day, the Portuguese were there in droves decorating the square with their flags, drums, face painted and proudly cheering on their beloved Portugal to sweet victory.

Cheering the Supporters On

For some it was to hard to bear

When the knockout rounds started, The Portuguese fans were ready with confident anticipation that the Euro Cup would be theirs. First it was Croatia, then Poland, and then in the Semis defeating a very surprising and popular Wales team to get to Sunday’s final match. Into the final match Portugal faced another very strong team, the host country France.

Looking for a Sign

The Sign Was Answered

Pure emotions Take over

Thanking God or Letting the World Know

The game was tight and the Portugal fans were on the edge of their seats anticipating of a goal. It didn't help when the most popular player Cristiano Ronaldo was injured early in the contest. I am sure there were supporters of France in the crowd, because of the French Canadian population within Brampton, they would certainly be rooting for France, and some who just want France to win. However, they were the silent ones, as the Portuguese were all in their regalia in showing their pride in their team.

Counting the Seconds

Hugs All Around

Brother & Sister Cheer Victory or Vitoria

After the first half the game was still no score and, proceeded to have no scoring in the second, although France did have a golden opportunity to score towards the end of regulation time, but the goalkeeper from Portugal made a spectacular save to keep the game at 0-0 to which the game ended and send the match to extra time.

About three quarters way through the extra time Eder from Portugal scored sending the fans into frenzy. Prior to the goal one guy was actually on his hands and knees praying, and then looked up into the sky as to be looking for an answer, which transpired and catapulted him towards a video camera, with total elation in his eyes and face. Sensing a victory within sight however the extra time was not sudden-death like in hockey. In the Euro cup they play out the extra time.

Looking for divine Help

Totally Focused

And as The Seconds Ticked Away

Victory was in Sight

Sweet Victory

Sensing victory, the Portugal fans were focused, with nervous anxiety waiting for the final seconds. Some reverted to praying, others jumping, and then the game was over and Portugal was Vitoria. Pandemonium then ensued as a red and white smoke bomb was ignited in by the fountain in front of Works restaurant. 

Green & Red Smoke Bombs (very harmless)

 

Buddies lifting Buddies in Celebration

There was plenty of flag waving, hugging, jumping, singing, chanting, and friends lifting one of their buddies on top of their shoulders. Fans of all ages joined in the electric celebration. A lot of selfies were taking place as fans wanted to capture this historical moment. For some once in a life time.

Daddy carrying Daughter

Lot's of Selfies

The Police did a very smart thing by closing off Main St. from Queen to Nelson/Chapel Rds., and then closed off Queen St, from Chapel to George St. for the safety of everyone involved. The previous games saw a parade of cars going by waving their flags and honking their horns to all their fans at the corner of Main & Queen and all along the sidewalk. 

The Parade went around Main & Queen Streets

Most of the parade was fine except that there were some guys hanging out the side window waving a flag, which was not the safest thing to do. But closing the streets helped contain the celebrations to the streets and that way the fans really had more room to show their pride in the team and country.

Watching their Beloved Team Receive The Euro Cup

Total Devotion to their Team

It was a wild time at Garden Square and showing the entire Euro 2016 Tournament, except for the weekend of The African Wave Festival, had to be a roaring success, and a benefit for the local businesses in the area. Starbucks, Works, and Subway for surely had a heavy turnover.

The Celebration spilled onto Main Street

Safer, & More Room To Celebrate

And A Whole lot More Fun!

It was the place to be and also the talk around the town, as people kept asking who's playing and at what time, then I will meet you there.

Congratulations to all the Portugal supporters who made it a whole lot of fun, and congratulations on a great Vitoria.

A Collage of some of the Best Pictures

What’s Next Blue Jays World Series?

Or the Unthinkable

The Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Final

Congratulations Portugal

 Story & Pictures by Bret Sheppard