For two Toronto diasporas, Portugal-Croatia clash is more than just a game

TORONTO, June 30 : The World Cup has produced many magical moments so far, but perhaps none more poetic than Portugal and Croatia meeting in a last-32 clash on Thursday in Toronto, whose huge Portuguese and Croatian communities have been handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is coming to town for the first time since 2009. Croatia's Luka Modric, 40, is returning after his 200th international appearance in the city last week. Both players have won the Ballon d'Or - Ronaldo five times.

But for one of those soccer greats, Thursday could be the final time they grace the pitch on the world's biggest stage.

It is a moment that two large diaspora communities in Toronto could have only dreamed of experiencing. 

Ontario is home to nearly 100,000 people of Croatian descent, the provincial government has said, and more than 300,000 people of Portuguese descent.

Many of them reside in the Greater Toronto Area, setting up a fitting backdrop for the match. 

Carina Paradela, Director of Operations at the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre of Toronto, said Portugal playing in the city was very special for the community.

"But obviously everyone is super nervous because we want them to win!" Paradela said. "Since they're all here next to us, we want to party!"

SOCCER-LOVING CULTURES

The vibrant Little Portugal enclave in downtown Toronto will be in party mode regardless as bars and restaurants prepare to welcome a big wave of fans. There will be packed watch parties and a swarm of red jerseys, many with "Ronaldo 7" on the back.

Soccer is a massive part of Portuguese culture, helping families bond and diaspora community members feel a bit closer to home.

"It's just part of our culture so much that we