For a nation with such a long literary tradition you would have thought Greece would have read the script.

But last night their football team denied Portugal, on their home soil, their first Cup win and broke the hearts of thousands of Portuguese Bermudians.

Docksiders bar on Front Street had been packed with expectant fans fighting for a better view and very often fighting for a breathe of fresh air in the sticky humid atmosphere.

Clad in the dark red shirt of the home side Patrick Doyle, who is half Portuguese, confidently predicted a 3-0 win for his team.

The 17-year-old said: ?It?s in the bag.?

Johnny Aguiar, who had died his hair green and red for the occasion, was also confident.

While some were dying their roots Portuguese, others were belatedly discovering their Portuguese roots.

One half-Portuguese man quipped: ?It?s funny how people are discovering their heritage now Portugal are doing well.?

French World Cup winner Patrick Viera was also established in the Docksiders back bar for the game.

While was keen for a word with the Arsenal star his new found Bermudian minders were even more keen he should be left alone.

At half time, Portuguese fan Dean Gele was still confident of victory. ?I am realistic, they are playing the better football. We just need to settle down.?

However, Angelos Charisteas? early second half goal left most of the bar stunned while one man wearing and England shirt celebrated noisily ? no doubt enjoying revenge after his side?s exit because of the hosts.

His compatriot Darrell Mellor also had reason to celebrate as the Greek striker?s goal put him a lot nearer to winning a $1,100 sweep, although he faced a nervous wait to find out if a British newspaper?s ranking of other players has helped him clinch it.

Despite constant pressure it was not Portugal?s day and Greece took the prize to the delight of Monica Whitecross who, despite her Portuguese Bermudian roots, was clad in Greece?s blue and white.

?It was a great game,? she said. ?I expected it.?

While the result was all too much for some who could not hold back the tears as they shuffled out, other fans were looking on the bright side.

Maria Almeida said: ?I am going to celebrate anyhow. We have come along way.?

Over at Vasco de Gama club, many were disappointed but others were philosophical.

After the defeat, a young man who during the game was carrying a giant Portugal flag, said he was ?speechless?.

?This explains everything,? he said, holding the broken flag pole in his hands ? the flag nowhere to be seen.

Several men were angry at the team, but after the initial shock of defeat, supporters regained perspective.

?We are still proud of who we are whether we win or lose,? one woman said.

?It?s only a game and we are cheering for our team. They have done a very good job. It is not just about winning. We support our team whether they win or lose. We are proud of them.?

Some still took the streets to show their Portuguese pride, waving flags and chanting, defiant of the loss.

The crowd was unfazed by the light drizzle that fell but dispersed quickly when it turned to a heavy downpour, retiring to their homes to dream of another tournament.