Local excitement as Portugal is crowned Euro Cup Champions
By Ana Bottary
@anabottary
Portugal fans took to the street of Fall River this weekend, celebrating the first ever European championship win over France.
"This was the one and we have Paris," says fan Artur Silva Jr.
The celebrations spread throughout Massachusetts into Rhode Island. For many like Artur Silva Jr. it was back to work on Monday, but that did not stop him from showing his pride, with the flag of Portugal hanging off his truck.
"I grew up in a Portuguese community and our pride is unstoppable, it’s amazing," he says.
Fans praising the team with 1-0 victory. Especially after a shaky start to the game, when team captain and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo got hurt within minutes of the start.
"It was a very emotional game, very exciting. It was very heartbreaking when Cristiano went out of the game, everybody didn’t believe in the team, but you know what, they believed in themselves," says fan George Barbosa.
Many people we spoke with say this is a moment they have been waiting for their entire life.
"You can’t explain it; you get Goosebumps and all that good stuff. You don’t know if you want to cry or if you want to laugh or just celebrate. Very glad that we did it," adds Barbosa.
"We never win the tournament, and for Portugal that is a big thing. I hope we do it again,” adds fan Paul Botelho.
©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016
