Although the 2018 World Cup officially started Thursday with host nation Russia trouncing Saudi Arabia 5-0, Friday was the big start with three games being played. The biggest was 2010 champions Spain playing Portugal, the 2016 European soccer champions, at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia.



The failure of the United States to qualify for the tournament had no impact on passionate fans of these two in the Ironbound section of Newark. Numerous bars and restaurants are broadcasting the game to packed, boisterous crowds. The Ironbound, home to New Jersey's biggest Portuguese population and its largest Spanish communities, was the perfect place to watch this game between two of the best teams, both contenders to win the this year's Cup.

For Spain fan Jon DeOliveira and his girlfriend Melissa Novo, of Somerset, the 3-3 tie between the Iberian neighbors was the best way to start the tournament. Novo is a Portugal fan and she claims if Spain had won "Jon would be sleeping on the couch tonight!" They look forward to the rest of the tournament and cheering for both teams.

Soccer fans watch Spain play Portugal in World Cup while in Ironbound 17 Gallery: Soccer fans watch Spain play Portugal in World Cup while in Ironbound

Aristide Economopoulos can be reached at aeconomopoulos@njadvancemedia.com and you can follow him on Twitter at @AristideNJAM and Instagram at @aeconomopoulos Find NJ.com on Facebook