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Football: Portugal say yes to Belfast showpiece
By Jim Gracey
23 October 2005
NORTHERN Ireland's glamour Belfast friendly against Portugal's superstars is definitely ON.
Ronaldo, Deco, Figo and Co will face Lawrie Sanchez's side at Windsor Park on Tuesday, November 15 as part of the IFA's 125th anniversary celebrations.
The confirmation is another coup for IFA supremo Jim Boyce after the match was placed in doubt by a more lucrative rival offer from the Middle East.
Relieved Boyce told Sunday Life last night: "Portugal could have commanded five times the deal they are getting from us by going to the United Arab Emirates. They are coming here thanks to a special relationship we've forged with the Portuguese FA."
But in a clear reference to the National Stadium debate, Maze supporter Boyce warned: "We cannot keep calling in favours like this. We want fans here to see the best but given the possibility of a further cut in the Windsor Park capacity, ticket prices would go through the roof to meet guarantees."
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