GROOM Gareth Godwin has even more reason to be nervous about his wedding day than usual - he's marrying a Brazilian only hours after tomorrow's World Cup showdown with England.

Gareth, 36, arranged the ceremony with South American fiancee Paula McGrory months ago, never thinking for a moment it would clash with England's biggest match for 12 years.

Now he is praying England beat the brilliant Brazilians to stop his wife turning the wedding into a Samba celebration.

Paula, 26, was born in Sao Paulo, but was adopted and brought to England by her new parents when she was three.

A holder of dual citizenship, Paula always goes back to her roots when Brazil play.

Gareth, a transport manager from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, said: "If Brazil win the match it could be a bad omen for the marriage - mind you, Paula will say the same if we win!

"When we booked the wedding last year we weren't even thinking about the World Cup.

"And it certainly never occurred to us that the two teams would play each other.

"I suppose a draw would be the best result, but that can't happen. I'm sure whatever the result we'll still have a great wedding."

The couple, who have been together for five years, are getting married at Judges restaurant in Kirklevington at 4pm.

Gareth said: "I'll be watching the game with my mates down the pub before heading off for a pre-wedding game of golf with them."

Paula said: "At first I thought Brazil would wipe the floor with England, but as I have watched the games, England seem to have a good chance.

"I won't mind what the result is to be honest, I will just be pleased that the day goes well."

* Tony Blair yesterday struck a cautious note about tomorrow's game.

Asked in the House of Commons to declare a public holiday if England should make it to the final, he said: "Let's just get over the hurdle of beating Brazil, all right?"