Football fever grips Indians: Nielsen

Nearly half the country (47%) claims to be a football fan according to the latest Nielsen Global Online Survey. Globally, the game is most popular in Brazil, where 69 percent say they are a fan. India ranks tenth in its love for football globally.

Indians are also very excited about the upcoming FIFA World Cup. 56 percent Indians plan to follow the game this season. Over 700m people around the world watched the final match of the last 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"Football is considered more edgy and more unpredictable, especially in comparison to cricket. The rough and tough image of football is quite endearing to the fans. The ninety minute game never sees a dull moment, it's quick and much to the liking of consumers who are hard pressed for time today," said Piyush Mathur, President, India, The Nielsen Company.

The World Cup's most successful team of all times, the five-time winners - Brazil, are overwhelmingly backed to triumph once again and win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Globally 34 percent think so. Indians' sentiments resonates global feelings, nearly four in ten Indians (39%) believe that Brazil will win the World Cup, followed by Germany at a distant second with thirteen percent votes and Argentina (11%) is the third candidate for Indians for a possible World Cup win. In Latin America, that figure rises to a

"Appeal of FIFA World Cup in India has extended beyond football fans and it has become a social event that draws non-sports fans together to bond and have a good time," added Mathur.