Cheers and tossed beers filled the air at EventCity as England stunned Ukraine at Euro 2020.
Confident England fans proved they had no reason to be nervous as their heroes strolled to a 4-0 success.
And their jubilant scenes were unlike anything seen in the Covid pandemic - well, apart from the Germany game of course.
Read more: Crazy scenes in Manchester city centre as England fans celebrate win
Spirits were already high in Trafford, where the fan park returned for the quarter-final clash on Saturday night.
The first fans through the gates wasted no time in preparing for the big game.
Pints were on order, street food was served and the first few tables filled up - with fences separating each group of six family or friends.
There weren’t too many nerves around the fan park as supporters watched Denmark beat Czech Republic - setting themselves up as England’s possible semi-final opponents.
Nick Crookes, 22, from Wythenshawe, was one of the first supporters to arrive with his mates.
He said: “I’m confident - quietly confident about England’s chances, not just in this game but in the Euros as well.
“It’s brilliant to be here - I’m still not a fan of the fences in the way, but it’s got to be done. It’s the best of a bad situation.”
The storm clouds above weren’t the best omen for England - if you believe in that sort of thing.
But England fans were in confident mood - if wary of being too complacent.
Matt Jackson, 22, from Urmston, said: “I’m confident, but at the same time, they’re here for a reason and you can’t underestimate that.
“They’ve got Yarmolenko, Zinchenko, a few players that could damage us.
“But if we beat Germany, we’re expected to win aren’t we?”
The sun managed to hold out above EventCity until 45 minutes before kick-off, when the heavens opened.
Not that it mattered to the fans in attendance - as the flags above their heads were swiftly replaced by coats, the chants continued and the beers flowed.
Andrew Walklate, 19, travelled north to the fan park from Stoke with him pals - and they had been waiting for the occasion for ages.
He said: “As soon as we qualified we were looking for tickets, but they sold out.
“Then they released some more so we tried to get on it straight away.
“It’s a good atmosphere, everyone is in the same boat - as long as we win.”
As the teams walked out on the pitch in Rome, all eyes were fixed on the big screens.
The fans were in good voice for the national anthem - and the rain eased to an eventual stop.
No good omens were necessary as Harry Kane netted after just a couple of minutes and sheer joy filled the air.
The rest of the half was more cagey, but supporters remained confident at the break.
Jack French, 31, had travelled up from Bristol for a mate’s stag do.
He said: “It looks like it’s going well, there’s a great atmosphere, it’s really good.”
The stag in question spent the match dressed as Gareth Southgate in the 2018 World Cup, with the classic waistcoat.
He was invited on stage for a pep talk to the crowd, but was booed for failing to rally EventCity.
It didn’t matter - because quickly after the restart, Harry Maguire scored a second, soon followed by a third from Harry Kane.
Cue pandemonium in the crowd.
By the time England netted their fourth through Jordan Henderson, the fans were already thinking about the semi-final to come.
“Brilliant result - I never had any doubt,” said Chris Jacques, from Cheshire, who had a bet on 4-0.
The 39-year-old added: “I thought we were brilliant, Maguire was a rock, I can’t complain.”
The final whistle was met with cries of ‘it’s coming home’ from elated supporters making their way to the exit.
Maybe it will.
