99% of the North East will be cheering on England against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, but for some households, loyalties are split. The Three Lions could reach their first final in 60 years, but Argentina has its own supporters in the region.
Geordie Jim Brown's Divided Household
Geordie Jim Brown, 54, lived in Argentina while working on cruise ships in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He met his wife, Maria Zubelzu, in Buenos Aires, and they now live in Great Park. Maria, a Spanish lecturer at Newcastle University, admitted to suffering from pre-match nerves.
Despite having three children and two grandchildren, Jim is the only one in his family supporting England. He told ChronicleLive: "We have children born in Argentina. Our youngest daughter is 20 and born in Newcastle, but she is Argentina through and through. She's more Latin than English!" His older children, aged 28 and 33, learned about Newcastle United in Buenos Aires and even had Shearer 9 kits.
Jim compared his dual loyalty to supporting both Newcastle United and Boca Juniors, for whom he held season tickets. He said: "Newcastle have never met Boca Juniors so that was no problem! You couldn't invest yourself properly in a game like that. The rule was always I'll support this team until we meet each other."
Jim predicts the match will go to penalties and hopes Dan Burn scores the winning kick. He added: "They have got three World Cups, share the wealth!"
Historical Rivalry and Falklands Legacy
Philippa Page, who works with Maria at Newcastle University and lived in Argentina, noted the historical charge of England-Argentina encounters. She said: "They really don't like the English, although they love the Rolling Stones. If Mick Jagger is there, that's going to be funny!"
Philippa highlighted that the Falklands War is more embedded in Argentinian society than in Britain, taught in schools from a young age. Her eight-year-old son, who has spent time in Argentina, will be cheering for Messi and Emi Martínez, wearing an Argentina shirt to football training. He predicts a 2-1 win for Argentina.
Philippa expects a tense match, possibly going to penalties. She said: "Neither have been convincing but both are going to raise their game. It's a win-win for me."
