Most households will be nervous as England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final tomorrow (Sunday) – but things will be even more tense in one York home!
Adrian Salamon, 42, a magician from York, is preparing to watch the final with his Spanish wife, Azahara Berlango, 42, and their son Tristan, seven.
As the final takes place in Berlin, the excitement in their home will come with an added dash of rivalry.
Ms Berlango believes Spain will defeat the Three Lions 2-0, and Mr Salamon predicts the score will be 2-1 to captain Alvaro Morata’s team.
Tristan is currently “divided”.
“I think last year he was rooting more for England but this year he seems to be rooting more for Spain,” Ms Berlango told PA.
“I think because I am very loud when I watch the match, (Tristan) gets more invested in it.”
Mr Salamon added: “It will be tense here, but it will be fun between us.”
The family will have a “low key” affair and stay at home to watch England face Spain.
“We’ll keep it low key. We’ll do a little bit of Spanish tapas and English beer,” Ms Berlango said.
Waving the flag
Ms Berlango hopes her Spanish flag, which she says will be in “prime position near her” when the match takes place, will send her team the luck needed to secure victory.
“I got it when Spain played the final of the World Cup 2010 and my flag is always with me. It’s my lucky flag,” she said.
She has predicted teenage Spanish right winger Lamine Yamal will score first on Sunday.
“I have a little soft spot for our little Spanish prodigy, Lamine Yamal. I think he’ll score first on Sunday,” she said.
The couple watched the Lionesses take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final last August, but “never” believed they would be seeing England and Spain battle it out once again at a major football tournament.
Mr Salamon said he asked his wife “wouldn’t it be funny?” if England face Spain in the final again.
“We’re finding ourselves in this spot again,” Ms Berlango said.
“When (the Euros) started, never. When we saw England playing, even less. But, how they’ve pulled it out of the hat.”
Mr Salamon joked with his wife: “You’re not going to gloat if we beat you, are you? To which she replied: “A bit.”
