There will be no shortage of divided loyalties across Spain tonight as thousands of British and Norwegian expats prepare to watch their countries go head-to-head in the World Cup quarter-finals.
With kick-off at 11pm Spanish time, bars and restaurants from Marbella to Benidorm are expected to be packed as England look to book a place in the last four against a Norway side enjoying its best-ever World Cup run.
The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are home to Spain’s largest British communities, while thousands of Norwegians also live along the coasts.
The Vikings fans are particularly concentrated around Alfaz del Pi, Benidorm and across the Costa del Sol, making for an unusual expat rivalry.
England reached the quarter-finals after edging past Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 tie, while Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland to continue their remarkable tournament.
Thomas Tuchel has urged his England side to ‘be brave’ and play without fear as they chase a place in the semi-finals.
Spain now awaits either France or the winner of the other quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.
For many expats in southern Spain, tonight’s match promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the summer – with friendships, bragging rights and perhaps a few beers on the line.
