THEY have always been the best of pals but tomorrow night they will become arch rivals.

For when it comes to football there is no love lost.

Helder Baptista, who runs the Portuguese restaurant Linda Madeira in Southampton's Bedford Place, and Greek fan and fellow restaurateurs George Jiojioras will be finding themselves on opposite sides when the whistle blows for the Euro 2004 final.

George, 38, runs the Italian restaurant La Tavernetta in Civic Centre Road, Southampton.

And Helder and his partner Virgilio De Freitas used to work for George.

Ever since the tournament started Helder, 25, and George have in a friendly way been winding each other up about how their teams will progress.

But they never believed that they would be facing each other in the big showdown for the ultimate European prize.

Helder's soccer-mad waiters will be able to watch the match on what promises to be a big party night at the restaurant.

He would not be drawn on the final score but Helder said: "Both teams are playing well and it is going to be a tough game.

"I do not how it will go."

George, who hopes that Greece's name is on the cup, says: "No words can describe what it means to be in the final.

"Nothing has happened like this in Greece before."