Brazil favourite team among Indians, Lionel Messi favourite player

[Basil]

MUMBAI: 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 by travel search company Skyscanner has revealed that 49 per cent of Indians surveyed are supporting the five times champions Brazil. Argentina and Germany share the second spot on the list with 15 per cent support from the country.

While 7 per cent of Indians support the 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 4 goals and 40 dribbles in 4 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 unique hairstyles, Cristiano Ronaldo makes it to the second spot with only 22 per cent of women voting for him. French footballer and the team’s national key striker, Olivier Giroud is the third favourite.

While he is famous for his rough play and the ability to outsmart almost any defender he comes head to head with, his attractive physique is doing the rounds among women.

Lionel Messi is the top favourite among men too, with close to 50 per cent men who were surveyed from all major metros swearing by his side. Despite holding the title of Fifa Ballon D’or, Cristiano Ronaldo falls short with only 26 per cent support from Indian men.

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