The buzz in Newcastle is all about the upcoming Euro final, and it's not just the locals caught up in the football fever. From Spanish chefs to international students, everyone's picking sides.
Jorge Del-Rio, a long-time Newcastle resident and chef at Café Andaluz, originally from Spain, firmly believes in his home team: "Spain can definitely pull it off. They've shown solid defense and attack," he asserts confidently. His son Robert, though born and raised in Newcastle, stands squarely behind England: "I've got faith in our team. We've got what it takes," he affirms, hinting at a spirited father-son rivalry come match day.
At El Torero, where football talk is as lively as the tapas, Natasha Khan, the assistant manager who moved to Newcastle from abroad, admits she's not a die-hard fan but can't escape the excitement of the national rivalries: "It's hard not to get swept up in it all. I'm leaning towards Spain this time," she confesses, citing their strong prospects. Diego Durán, originally from Peru and now a local, predicts a nail-biting game: "Spain versus England—what a showdown! But my money's on Spain," he declares with a grin.
Meanwhile, Teo de Galand, fresh out of Newcastle University and bound for Madrid, exudes confidence in Spain's abilities: "We've been on fire this tournament. I'm sure we'll bring home the trophy," he says optimistically. His conviction echoes across town where Silvia Panés Cañadas, manager at El Coto, reflects on her dual loyalties: "I'll be thrilled if Spain wins; it's my homeland after all. But I've lived here over a decade, so an England victory would also be fantastic," she muses diplomatically, anticipating a more subdued evening at her restaurant during the final.
As Sunday approaches, the stage is set not just for a clash of football titans but also for personal connections and divided loyalties. Whether it's Jorge and Robert bantering over tapas, or Teo and Diego debating tactics at El Torero, the Euro final promises to unite and divide the community in equal measure. Newcastle, a city known for its passion both on and off the pitch, eagerly awaits the outcome that will define this year's championship.
In the shadow of St James' Park, where football echoes through the streets, Silvia's sentiments capture the essence of the evening: "May the best team win," she concludes with a smile, embodying the camaraderie and competitive spirit that transcends borders and brings communities together.
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