Angola and Portugal will play an istoric match on the starting of their respective runs at the World Cup 2006.

There is no doubt that the Group D game between Angola and Portugal will be something very special. The two countries, with centuries of history between them, will face each other on Sunday in Cologne and the atmosphere inside the stadium promises to be electric.

As each team looks to make a positive start, both sets of supporters will be playing their part, looking to get behind the players in order to urge their teams on to a memorable victory.

The Angolans, of course, are playing in their first finals and it was perhaps written in the stars that they would begin their campaign against their former colonial rulers. As kick-off approaches, emotions are already running high, and come Sunday evening, things will be at fever pitch.

Angola players feel respect for their European adversaries, but they hope for the best.

One man who has not had to undertake quite such a gruelling journey to see his team play is Angolan Elvio Patricio, who is a student in Germany. “After 30 years of civil war, the fact that we’re finally going to play in the World Cup is the best thing that could have happened to Angola. And the icing on the cake is that nobody thought we could do it,” Elvio told FIFAworldcup.com.

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The achievement of the Palancas Negras has, as Elvio tells it, has fired the nation’s imagination and brought the whole country together. This was demonstrated in Luanda, as Luis Goncalves’ men began their journey to the finals.

“We all held hands so the team would know that we were all right behind them,” recalls the young Angolan. However, he prefers to be cautious on the subject of the Portugal game. “Of course it’s a special occasion because of the historical importance of our ties with Portugal. We can win it, but it’s going to be a tough game.”

Elvio is respectful of the Europeans’ ability, but believes that the African side are more than capable of causing an uspet. “To chalk up our first victory in our first World Cup would be amazing, but I’ve got a sneaking feeling that we can do even better. I’ve already got my ticket for the quarter-final. It would be a dream to get that far, and if we do, I can tell my grandchildren that I was there.”

Source: WCoffsite