The British-Spanish couple said they were expecting a “tense” but “fun” atmosphere at home during the Euro 2024 final.
The final between England and Spain is taking place in Berlin on Sunday and excitement seems to be at fever pitch in British-Spanish households.
Rebecca Garcia, 40, from Britain, and her Spanish husband Eugenio, 38, plan to watch the game with their daughters Alba, five, and Eva, three.
Mr Garcia, a structural engineer, said he expected mixed emotions at his home in Penge, south London, on Sunday.
“I think I’d be more tense and nervous and (Mrs Garcia) would probably have some wine,” he told the PA news agency.
Their score predictions also tell two different stories.
“I think it will go to penalties, which are always really tough for the players and there’s a lot of pressure, and I think England will win the shootout,” Garcia, who works in construction, told the PA news agency.
“I think Spain will win 2-0,” Garcia said, adding that he expects goals from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Garcia, a Liverpool fan and regular football player, said he did not expect the team to reach the final.
“As a Spanish side, I think we were the surprise of the tournament. We didn’t expect to reach the final,” he said.
“We played really good football and were able to beat strong teams like France, Italy and Germany. We started as underdogs but now we are the favourites to win the final.
“I think it’s been the opposite with the England side, they’ve got some great players but they’re not performing as well as they probably should.”
“England are now the underdogs.”
Garcia said she had been “rooting” for England throughout the tournament and hoped they would reach the final.
“It’s not every day that two aspects of life are pitted against each other,” she added.
Mrs. Garcia said her children will probably “cheering for whoever is winning at the time.”
“I think Alba likes Spain, so I think he’ll support Spain, so let’s do that,” Garcia joked.
Even though she’s only three years old, Eva loves running around and kicking a soccer ball, so she may be showing signs of being a future soccer player.
“It’s good to see the kids watching the games and experiencing the excitement,” Garcia added.
“Alba has a Spain shirt so they will probably have him wear that in the final.”
Girls may also have the Spanish and English flags painted on their cheeks to pay tribute to their mixed race heritage.
Magician Adrian Salamon, 42, from York, will watch the final with his Spanish wife Azahara Berlingo, 42, and their seven-year-old son Tristan.
Berlingo believes Spain will beat the Three Lions 2-0, while Salamon predicts captain Alvaro Morata’s side will win 2-1.
Tristan is currently “split.”
“I guess last year I was rooting for England and this year I’m rooting for Spain,” Berlingo told the PA news agency.
“I think because I’m really loud when I’m watching the games, it makes (Tristan) more into the game.”
“It’s going to be tense here, but it’s going to be fun between us,” Salamon added.
The family will gather “low-key” and watch the England v Spain match at home.
“We’re going to keep it low key, we’ll just have some Spanish tapas and some English beer,” Berlingo said.
Berlingo hopes that the Spanish flag, which will be raised in “the best spot close to me” during the match, will bring the team the good fortune they need to win.
“I got this flag when Spain reached the World Cup final in 2010. This flag is always with me. It’s my lucky flag,” she said.
She predicted that Spain’s teenage right winger, Lamine Yamal, would score the opening goal on Sunday.
“I have a bit of a soft spot for Spanish phenom Lamine Yamal and I think he will score first on Sunday,” she said.
The couple watched England play Spain in the Women’s World Cup final last August but said they “never” thought they would see England and Spain compete in a major football tournament again.
Salamon said he had asked his wife “wouldn’t it be interesting?” if England faced Spain in the final again.
“We find ourselves in this situation again,” Berlingo said.
“When it (the Euros) started I didn’t expect it at all, and when I watched England play I even less expected it, but they pulled it off.”
Mr. Salamon joked with his wife: “You wouldn’t gloat if we beat you, would you?” to which she replied, “Maybe a little.”
release date: Radio News Hub
