Passion rises after Portugal advance

GUETERSLOH, Germany, June 18 (Reuters) They may have so far failed to sparkle on the pitch but one thing Portugal are not lacking in this World Cup is support.

Buoyed by Portugal's first advance to the second round of a World Cup in 40 years, around 10,000 fans decked out in red, green and gold turned up to watch the side train today.

In full voice, they cheered for the usual suspects -- Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco -- as they warmed up with laps around the pitch. Some even waved homemade banners emblazoned with ''Portugal are Champions''.

Julio Romano wore a red shirt with Eusebio 66 on the back, harking back to the 1966 World Cup when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to England.

''It's historic,'' he told Reuters. ''And we are thrilled to be here in Germany to witness that.'' SLEEPY TOWN Like many of the estimated 140,000 Portuguese living in Germany, Romano's family emigrated seeking better employment opportunities. After 34 years, Romano has no plans to leave, but says he is ''still Portuguese in my heart.'' The sleepy town of Guetersloh, where Portugal have trained some of the time, has around 700 Portuguese residents, according to Romano who is vice-President of folklore at the Guetersloh Portuguese Association (APG).

''People in Guetersloh have never seen an event like this,'' he said nodding towards the thousands of singing fans.

''The team has plenty of support. People have come out today because it is a Sunday, but also because of Portugal's achievement. They are getting better and better each game and against Iran they reached the level they were at Euro 2004,'' he said.

Defender Ricardo Carvalho said the side were delighted with the passionate backing they had received in Germany.

''It is important for the national team for people to support us. It gives us a good feeling and I hope it continues,'' he said.

Portugal won both their opening World Cup Group D games, guaranteeing a place in the second round even without a win against Mexico on Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen.

But on behalf of the Portuguese community, Romano appealed to the side to think of former colony Angola, who Portugal beat 1-0 in their opening game, when playing the Mexicans.

''We want the side to help Angola. If Portugal beat Mexico and Angola beat Iran, then it would be a wonderful thing for these two brothers to go through together,'' he said.

Angola face Iran in their final Group D game in Leipzig on Wednesday.

Reuters PDS RAI0023