ORLANDO, Fla. – Portugal and New Zealand fans came to downtown Orlando Friday to watch soccer clubs Benfica of Portugal and Auckland City of New Zealand play in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fans from Chicago, Miami and even Australia made the trip to Orlando. Benfica beat Auckland City 6-0 in Friday’s group play match.
“The underdog story,” Auckland City fan Brandon said, originally from New Zealand. “There’s a team from New Zealand playing against some of the best teams in the world. I just wanted to be here to see it.”
Ian, a Benfica fan currently living in Miami, told News 6 he was almost in tears when it was announced Benfica was playing in Orlando. He made plans early to be here for Friday’s game.
“It’s hard to explain the emotions,” Ian said. “My whole life, this club has been my life. Being able to watch my club, it’s the most emotional thing. It’s my identity.”
Benfica fans chanted loud and proud throughout the game, even through a rain delay. Auckland City fans weren’t to be outdone, even garnering extra support in the stands.
This was one of two FIFA Club World Cup games played at Inter&Co Stadium. The other was last Tuesday with Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa winning 1-0 against Ulsan HD from South Korea.
Four more matches will be played in Orlando at Camping World Stadium with two group games next week. LAFC from the MLS will play Flamengo from Brasil Tuesday night, Jun. 24. A big showdown between Italian powerhouse Juventus and English powerhouse Manchester City is Thursday afternoon, Jun. 26.
Two more games will be played at Camping World Stadium with a Round of 16 match and a quarterfinal match. You can find more details here.