"Won't they at least come out and wave?": The night Palm Beach only saw Portugal's bus pass by

PALM BEACH — It was just past 8 PM in Florida — already early morning in Lisbon — when the usual exclusive, artificial silence surrounding the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach was finally broken. Under a police escort befitting a head of state, with flashing lights cutting through the night's gloom, the bus carrying the National Team delegation rolled through the gates of what will be their home for at least the World Cup group stage.

Portugal has officially settled into its American headquarters. While inside, Roberto Martínez and his squad found the comfort and isolation planned by the Portuguese Football Federation, outside, the scene was a bittersweet, typically Portuguese mix, infused with a strong South American accent and the relentless assault of Florida's wildlife.

The sun had already set — the hour when mosquitoes mercilessly invade Palm Beach's suffocating, hot, and humid environment — when the large vehicle's engine finally shut off. Around a hundred fans eagerly awaited behind the security barriers set up by the police outside. There were national flags, red and green jerseys, and the unwavering faith of those living far from their homeland.

But, to the surprise of those forming the honor guard on the asphalt, the Portuguese support contingent shared the space with a strong and noisy presence of Colombian fans, albeit dressed… in Portugal's colors — and to think Miami will host the heated Portugal-Colombia match on the 27th…

Under an ultra-strict security protocol, the bus drove directly into the interior area. One by one, the players and coaching staff disembarked. Coach Roberto Martínez arrived smiling, a contrast to the moment's rigidity.

Among the players, the speedy Pedro Neto was the first to step onto Florida soil, followed by Gonçalo Ramos. Vitinha came next, and right behind him, alongside Bruno Fernandes, appeared young João Neves, who momentarily broke the ice by waving to the dozens of journalists present. João Félix and Rafael Leão then passed, before Diogo Costa and Rúben Dias emerged with visibly more serious and focused expressions.

Finally, closing the parade of stars, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared: confident, with a slight smile on his face and a prolonged wave directed at the media.

The insurmountable distance meant the crowd outside could only glimpse the bus and some indistinct silhouettes. "Won't they at least come out and wave, for the effort we made to be here?" lamented a disappointed Portuguese woman, who had driven over 150 kilometers just to see the national colors. Fans were torn between the joy of knowing the National Team was so close and the profound sadness of not being able to get closer to their idols. In everyone's eyes, however, resided the same hope: that Portugal would only return home on July 19th, with the coveted trophy in tow.

For now, it's time to rest and recover after a grueling nearly 10-hour journey. This Saturday marks the serious preparation for their World Cup debut against DR Congo, scheduled for the 17th in Houston. The first official training session on American soil will be open, set for 6:45 PM local time (11:45 PM in Lisbon), and will feature around 200 Portuguese fans in the stands cheering on the team. The caravan is already rolling in Palm Beach. And with Portugal's arrival, all teams are now at the World Cup!