A FOOTBALL-LOVING Hereford couple will be pitched against each other in a World Cup play-off match this month.

The semi-final tie drew Turkey against Portugal, which was the worst possible outcome for Burcin and Diogo Martins.

The couple run Hereford’s only Portuguese café and feared this tie when Cristiano Ronaldo’s team failed to win its group and an automatic place at the World Cup.

The Sabores de Portugal café in Eign Street is a popular venue for followers of Iberian football and scarves from Portuguese clubs Benfica, Porto and Sporting adorn the walls.

Burcin, from Turkey, and Diogo, from Portugal, are both huge football fans and both desperately want to see their country secure their place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Mr Martins said: "We are both big football fans, but Burcin especially is incredibly passionate both for her club, Galatasaray, and the Turkish national team."

Both are fully aware that the dreams of one nation will come to an end when the two sides face each other at the Dragon's Stadium in Porto on Thursday, March 24.

Mrs Martins said that while they will both try and enjoy the game, the rivalry and tension will be difficult to ignore.

She said: "We plan on watching the big game together at the cafe. I will definitely be outnumbered by Portuguese supporters, and I hope I don't have to hideaway at the end of the game while everyone celebrates."