City stayed up to watch final battle

Bengaluru: Conrad Baretto flew all the way home to Goa just to catch Sunday's Euro Cup 2016 final.
"Where would I have watched it in Bengaluru? Everything will be shut. Also, there's no fun watching the finals on TV," said the techie.
Baretto's decision to head home was understandable. With the match scheduled for 12.30am IST and Bengaluru's nightlife winding up latest by 11.30pm on Sunday, hundreds of soccer lovers had no option but to watch the action unfold at home.
Baretto watched the final with family and friends on the big screen in north Goa. Most places there shut only after the match.
"Who would have thought the host nation would make it to the finals and Cristiano Ronaldo would take Portugal through. They've lost their last 10 games against France. So I rooted for Portugal because they were the underdogs," Baretto explained.
The French Consulate organized a live screening of the finals at Taj West End Hotel. More than 200 guests attended, mainly expats.
Deepak Arunachalan, of Indo-French origin, works for Scalers, a startup. "I was excited because France has been playing so well. Being a big fan, I would watch every match in the State de France." Kiki Petri, owner of Marzipan Cafe and of Greece descent, watched the match with her husband at home. "I supported Portugal all the way. I think Mediterranean teams (Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece) love football. It's in our blood. I love their coach, Fernando Santos, who mentored the Greek national team for years. Of course, they also play great football."
Dan Jones, who works for a spirit company, also watched the match at home. "I was with a group of friends and a bottle of Talisker 10. I supported France for many reasons, but primarily because Portugal knocked out Wales and I am of Welsh descent!" he said.