“I want to know which room Cristiano Ronaldo is in!”

PALM BEACH — The understated luxury of Palm Beach is about to be shaken by a global tremor. This tranquil and exclusive strip of land, kissed by the Atlantic, is where the Portuguese National Team will establish its official World Cup residence, taking over the exquisite Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. 

The usual calm enjoyed by millionaires and local residents is about to be disrupted. This Friday, around 8 PM local time — which will be 1 AM Saturday in Lisbon — the Portuguese Football Federation's bus will roll through the hotel gates. This countdown is generating unprecedented excitement, especially among the local youth.

Just a few meters from the hotel 'bunker' that will host Roberto Martínez's squad, we encountered a group of four young local residents on the beach. They perfectly embody the… exception to the limited cultural impact that soccer, and even a magnetic figure like Cristiano Ronaldo, typically have on American youth. The moment they realized who their new neighbors would be was captured in a video filled with surprise, wide eyes, and euphoric screams, illustrating the mass phenomenon that is about to unfold.

The first to react to the microphone, wearing sunglasses and a hat, was Ashley, who was already tuned into the tournament. “I already placed my bets this morning on who would win the title. I'm very excited. A lot of Americans have no idea what's going on, but I assure you, some of us are excited and understand a bit about soccer,” she explained. 

When confronted with the news that Portugal would be staying right next door, her reaction was immediate. “Oh my God, I didn't know that! That's so exciting,” she exclaimed, then offered a warning about the weather conditions: “I hope the Portuguese are used to the heat here. South Florida heat is no joke…”

Right beside her, blonde Bea confessed complete surprise. “I had no idea. That's crazy,” she said, before revealing her sudden change in team allegiance due to the proximity. “I don't know much about sports. I was rooting for Argentina because my friend is Argentinian. But now I'm going to root for Portugal, since they're right here.” 

When A BOLA's reporter reminded her of the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, Bea burst out laughing: “Oh, oh, that's going to be complicated!”

The third young woman, Chelsea, reacted with a huge smile and was already contemplating ways to breach security. “What a huge surprise! I want to know which room Cristiano Ronaldo is in. I'd love to see him and get an autograph. I'd adore it! I need to bring a soccer ball. We're going to bring signs, posters! It's super exciting. We'll try to go see them, maybe they'll come to the beach when the seaweed clears up.” 

Ashley, meanwhile, interjected again to offer a very special culinary recommendation to the Portuguese captain: “Ronaldo, you have to check this out. The Old Key Lime House, right across the canal. You have to try the key lime pie, it's to die for. A Florida classic.”

Rounding out the quartet, Christie admitted her tactical knowledge was limited, but her support was unwavering. “Yes, I like soccer, and even though I don't know much about it, I'm supporting them! It's fantastic that they're right there. I need some players to come play a little soccer with me. Since it's so hot, they'll want to go straight into the ocean. I'm watching, I'm ready to see it, so I'm supporting them,” she said.

Just hours before the Portuguese delegation touches down on Florida's humid asphalt, the atmosphere around the Four Seasons is already buzzing with anticipation. The bunker is ready, luxury is guaranteed, and as these young women's smiles attest, the informal welcoming committee is already assembled on the sands of Palm Beach. Let the countdown begin.