Surprise, surprise. Brazil is the most attractive team to corporate sponsors among nations competing at the World Cup this summer. Shocker, eh? I wouldn't be surprised in the least if the average American sports fans could name more Brazlian players than members of the U.S. national team. Sad but true.
Here'e the top ten in the eyes of corporate sponsors...
1. Brazil 2. France 3. England 4. Portugal 5. Italy 6. Spain 7. Argentina 8. South Korea 9. Netherlands 10. Ghana
I'm surprised the U.S. didn't make it. Sure, soccer is far from the biggest sport here, but I would think that corporate sponsors would be desperate to tap into the American market, especially if the U.S. has a surprising run like in 2002. Not to mention that the number of players in the U.S. is huge and on the rise.
The biggest surprise here, though, has to be the inclusion of Ghana. Really? Ghana? The first-time participants? Maybe corporate sponsors are expecting another African surprise (a la Senegal in 2002) and Ghana would seem to be the favorite among African nations along with Ivory Coast, but until that happens, I'm having a hard time picturing the Black Stars as a big seller. Now, if they pull some surprises against the U.S., Italy or the Czech Republic, I'm sure they will capture plenty of imaginations.
Of course, this vintage Ghana jersey from 1982 is pretty damn sweet. I'd wear it...
