Argentina fans gather for big semi-final party

About 100 Argentina fans are preparing to watch their country face England in the World Cup semi-final in a restaurant in Greater Manchester.

The group, Argentinos en Manchester, will watch the match together at a tapas restaurant in Salford, singing football songs and playing Argentine music.

Organiser Milton Avila, 50, who set up the group eight years ago for Argentines living in the area and hosts regular events across Greater Manchester, started organising football parties during the 2022 World Cup, which Argentina won.

Avila said that, just like before the 2022 final, he was full of "nerves" for the England match, "like every single one of us is feeling now".

England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta at 20:00 BST, with the winner due to play Spain in Sunday's final.

Avila, who has lived in the UK for 13 years, said there had been plenty of "dancing and celebrating" after matches in the tournament so far - especially after their "epic comeback" to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16.

The parties have included Argentine music, with football songs and chants mixed in.

"We think we're going to win, you think you're going to win," Avila told BBC Radio Manchester.

He said he thought England would bring a "tough" game but he believed Argentina would come out on top.

"It's not a simple game, easy game," he said.

"I think it will be 2-1 and [Lionel] Messi will score.

"I feel confident but it's football and anything can happen."

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