At the onset of World Cup 2014 quarter finals, Skyscanner, a global travel search site, scanned through the preferences of fans across the nation to bring teams and players at the center stage of all the drama. Not having a team playing in the most celebrated football tournament across the world has not stopped Indians from staying up all night to support their favourite team. From people painting their faces in Kerala to buying FIFA inspired mithais in Kolkata, the football fever has gripped Indians more than ever before.
A survey conducted by Skyscanner, a global travel search site, reveals that 49 per cent of Indians surveyed are supporting the five times champions Brazil. Argentina and Germany share the second spot at the list with 15 per cent support from the country. While seven per cent of Indians surveyed, support Netherlands after their smashing win against the defending champions Spain, England and Italy lost ground soon after being dropped before the quarter finals.
Though the major metros including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad have their own characteristic traits, fans across these cities see Brazil lifting the trophy this season. And while New Delhi and Mumbai vouch for Germany at the second spot, Kolkata?s support for Argentina ? the team that visited the Salt Lake stadium back in 2011 continues unabated.
With four goals and 40 dribbles in four matches, Lionel Messi, known as the ?King of Dribbling? is not only leading the ground for Argentina but has swayed 38 per cent of women surveyed for the hottest footballer of the season spot. Always making a style statement with his hairstyles, Cristiano Ronaldo makes it to the second spot with only 22 per cent of women voting for him. The French footballer and team?s national key striker, Olivier Giroud is the third favourite.
With less than two weeks to go for the World Cup 2014 finale, Indians are following the game with obsessional interest.
