Walk around Little Portugal, one of Toronto’s many renowned neighbourhoods, and it already feels match-ready.
Portugal flags hang outside front doors. Cars are parked with Portuguese flags in the windows.
The establishment most prepared is Amigos da Dundas Sports Bar on Dundas Street West, the main thoroughfare through Little Portugal. Everything on the menu, from the food to the beer and wine, specifically honours Portuguese heritage.
That stems from the owner, Miguel. He has owned the restaurant for 13 years and it is the primary gathering place for Portuguese supporters in the Little Portugal neighbourhood.
When it is at capacity, more than 60 people pack into the intimate space. Flags of all the World Cup countries hang from the rafters, but there is no hiding which nation this bar supports.
Miguel expects people to arrive as early as 2pm ET ahead of the Portugal-Croatia match at 7pm ET tonight. His score prediction: 2-0 Portugal.
“It’s crazy,” Miguel said, who is wearing a Cristiano Ronaldo kit. “It’s going to be amazing for the community.”
