Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/992522
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 JUNE 2018 BRAZIL and Germany are the top two clear favourites to lift the World Cup trophy next month, according to the Maltese. The two football giants were neck and neck, with almost double the amount of preferences on third placed Spain. Asked who they believe will win the World Cup, 13.4% and 13.3% of people identified Brazil and Germany, respec- tively. Spain came in third with 7.7%, followed by England with 6.2%. More men believe Germany will win, as opposed to women, who believe Bra- zil will win. Women were also more optimistic (6.8%) that England will win the World Cup than men were (5.5%). If it were up to those aged 65 and over, England would be the clear favourite to win the World Cup. The survey found that 11.4% of the elderly believe the Three Lions will carry the trophy, as opposed to 9.6%, who say Brazil and 9.4% who say Germany. Whether the belief by the elderly is heartfelt, cannot be said but they do represent a generation that clearly re- members the only World Cup won by England, 52 years ago. Maybe nostalgia played a part in their answer. To follow, or not to follow Football may not be of any interest to everyone but according to the survey 59.2% will be following the World Cup that starts next Thursday. Men are more likely than women to be hooked to the television screen dur- ing the month-long competition. The survey found that 66.4% of men, as opposed to 52.2% of women will be following the World Cup, which is be- ing held in Russia. Those who will be following matches cut across all age groups, with the mid- dle-aged being the keenest to do so. From those aged 36 to 50, 64.6% said they will be following the World Cup, while among the elderly, this drops to 52.6%. And Gozitans could give two hoots about the World Cup with the island being the only region that bucks the trend. A majority of Gozitans (56.5%) said they will not be following the World Cup. NEWS WORLD CUP 2018 Will it be Brazil or Germany? Brazil Germany Spain England Argentina France 13.4% 13.3% 7.7% 6.2% 3.8% 2.1% 51.7% 29.5% 49.4% 30.4% 54.1% 28.5% 56.1% 23.1% 50.4% 28.1% 51.5% 33.5% 46.7% 36.0% 68.6% 18.7% 57.5% 31.3% 47.0% 30.9% 53.2% 27.6% 55.5% 26.7% 40.0% 35.8% 57.3% 20.9% 54.3% 28.8% 46.2% 33.7% 48.9% 32.0% Nobody England Brazil Germany Argentina Spain France Grand Total Males Females 18-35 36-50 51-65 65+ Gozo Northern N. Harbour S. Eastern S. Harbour Western Primary Secondary Post-sec Tertiary Will it be Brazil or Germany to lift the World Cup trophy? Does Malta ever stand a chance of making it to the world stage? A MaltaToday survey gauged people's thoughts about the football frenzy that starts next Thursday. KURT SANSONE reports Who will win the World Cup? Who are you supporting in this World Cup?