Fans flock to watch Junior All Whites take on Portugal

Junior All Whites during their Group A match. Photo / Mark Mitchell, NZ Herald

Football fans have flocked to tonight's Junior All Whites encounter in Hamilton.

Tokoroa High School teacher Attila Kiss arrived at the game just as the rain set in about 5.45pm.

Mr Kiss said a total of 45 soccer-mad students and teachers were making the journey north.

"They're all members of the school junior and senior girls' soccer teams, although we've got a few boys coming along as well."

The group, some dressed up in their favourite white clothing including a cow onesie, we're all hoping for a Junior All Whites win.

Spectators are donned with raincoats and umbrellas, quashing the idea of a white-out amongst the crowd.

Rain has been intermittent but heavy in patches.

However there didn't appear to be any problem getting the crowd in.

The stadium wasn't overly full by kick-off, but should be over the 10,000 mark.

Making their way into the stadium were also some proud parents who made the trip from Europe to watch their sons play.

Paulo and Angela Nunes, parents of number 3, Joao Nunes, are in no doubt their team will beat the Kiwis.

Luiza and Marcos Lopes, parents of star player number 10, Rony Lopes, were also excited to be on tour supporting their son.

Kiwi-based Portugese friends Davide Teixeira, of Pukekohe and Alberico Miranda, of Hastings, were heard before seen as they traipsed into the stadium, singing 'ole, ole, ole, ole'.

They were also keen for a Portugal win.

Even some Kiwi fans aren't too confident.

Craig Elliott, of Rotorua, brought his two sons Regan, 11, and Cody, 18, along with Cody's friend Eamon O'Donoghue, also 18.

Mr Elliott said he had to think with his head, which was a Portugal win.

"I'm thinking a 4-1 win. They're a class outfit."