THOUSANDS of Boltonians will be cheering for England during the World Cup -- but some have a not-so-secret passion for another team as well.

The town is home to a growing community of Portuguese fans who will be supporting their countrymen, as well as Sven-Goran Eriksson's lads, during the contest.

Father-of-two Joaquim Zarro, landlord of Cottons pub in Bradshawgate, has been given exclusive permission to show Portugal's World Cup campaign, which began today against the USA.

He has even started serving wine and lager imported from his home country.

And dozens of Portuguese students and ex-patriots, plus a number of English fans, are expected to join him for every match.

He said: "I want to open my doors to everyone to come and see Portugal play. Not many pubs in the country have been given licences for both Portugal and England's early morning games so I want to make the most of it." Joaquim, who grew up in Nazare near Lisbon, has been living in Bolton for 10 years.

He has always supported Benfica and the Portuguese national side, but he has long been a fan of English football as well.

He said: "I always thought the Portuguese people were mad on soccer, but English people are something special. They are unbelievably passionate about their game and the atmosphere in our pub when England play is always fantastic."

So Joaquim will be supporting both countries during the competition and his greatest wish will be to see them them meet in the final.

He said: "I've got a feeling that Portugal and England will play against each other during this tournament like they did in 1966. I just hope they meet in the final.

"It would be a brilliant match, but I think I'd have to stick up for Portugal on the day. If they won the World Cup it would be a dream come true for me."