Better late than never:
On 12 June the FIFA World Cup kicks off. 32 of the best football teams in the world will start vying for the title of being the best at the biggest sport in the world. In an international survey of about 8,000 people in 15 countries we asked what the World Cup title means to people in the competitors’ home countries. Almost a quarter in our survey is willing to give up their mobile phone for a month if it meant their team would win! Our economists also looked at a range of economic indicators to investigate the World Cup teams and the attitude of their fans. ...
1. Spain would prevail if…
If the “value” of all the players in a football team actually could decide the results of the World Cup, Spain would prevail this summer as our analysis shows its squad of 23 has the highest total market value at EUR675 million. Hosts Brazil are third and England seventh, boosted by the EUR49 million value of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.
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4. Argentina is willing to sacrifice the highest sum of money if it meant their team would win.
Chileans top the table on the measure of willingness to sacrifice a sum of money if it meant their team would win. They would be willing to give up EUR526 on average to see their team win. Adjusted for GDP to facilitate a like for like comparison, Argentina rises to the top.
via www.ing.com
Hat tip: Joni Charles
