Blue army arrives for next leg of Euro tour
Pompey fans have descended on Portugal for a second time as Pompey's European campaign matches on.
While the Blue Army may not have been as mighty for the second leg of Pompey's European tour, they still made sure that the party carried on.
And the influx of followers was gathering pace last night as fans prepared to cheer on Harry Redknapp's men in their opening group stage clash.
Thousands descended on northern Portugal earlier this month for the club's maiden top-level European away match against Guimaraes.
Tonight in excess of 700 followers are expected at the AXA Stadium for the second trip to the Minho region in three weeks.
It was left to the hard core to soak up the sun yesterday, though, on a crisp day in the town's Praca de Republica square.
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Among them was Billy Cox, 28, from North End, who said: 'There was no way we weren't going to come out for this after the Guimaraes game.
'How many times are we going to have the chance to do this? I want to make the most of it.
'It has been a little quiet, but we are enjoying the weather and having a few beers.
'We got a good price on the flights and accommodation, so we're happy.
'Now we are looking forward to the game and getting behind the team.'
Also making early in-roads into the Super Bock lager favoured by Pompey fans after their first visit to Portugal was Mitchell Newman, 19, from Milton.
He said: 'Everyone has arranged to meet in the square, and we are here early.
'I wanted to come out for this one and I'm going to make the most of it.'
And Pam Wilkins, 59, from Southsea, is looking forward to looking around the picturesque sights before cheering her team to victory at Braga's unique 30,000-capacity stadium, which is built into the side of a quarry.
She said: 'It's quiet, but Guimaraes was quiet on the Wednesday night – and looked what happened there!
'It seems a nice place, and we are looking forward to exploring the area before the game.
'A lot of people are stopping in Porto and coming up for the game tonight, because they enjoyed it there last time.
'I'm looking forward to the game and think we should win.
'I'm confident, but not too confident – I've been supporting Portsmouth for too long!
'It will be nice if we can qualify and enjoy a few more trips like this.'
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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