Portugal wraps up World Cup stay in Palm Beach Gardens
By Yianni Kourakis
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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida (WPBF) — The Portugal men’s soccer team practiced for the final time at Gardens North County District Park on Tuesday, their World Cup base camp for nearly three weeks.
Portugal will depart for their round of 32 elimination game against Croatia on Wednesday. The game will be played in Toronto.
The city of Palm Beach Gardens and the Portugal team both consider their marriage a success, with the team happy with the pitch and the hospitality.
“It’s been great. You have a great place here. People were very nice to us, the way they welcomed us, and we are really grateful,” said midfielder Bernardo Silva.
From Portugal landing at PBI airport to a group of cheering fans, to their initial practice at the fields open to a few fans, locals welcomed Portugal with open arms. The team even took a “thank you” picture with the city employees who helped make Gardens their home away from home.
“It could not have gone any better, honestly. It felt like a team effort with them, honestly. It felt like we were pushing in the same direction in the last few months, and it came to fruition over the last couple of weeks with the team’s base camp. We couldn’t be happier, and we’ve heard nothing but positive things from the team,” said Palm Beach Gardens sport and special facilities director Tim Ford.
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