Ipsos World Cup Survey

Three-quarters (76 percent) of Argentinians believed that they could still win the World Cup, even after their uncertain start to the football championship. This is according to worldwide research from Ipsos, conducted after the recent 1st/2nd round World Cup group matches.

The research found that the French were more realistic after their poor start to the Cup, with only 23 percent predicting they would win. The English also maintained a pessimistic stance, with 29 percent believing England would win. This compares to a surprising 32 percent of English people who thought Brazil would win.

Across all countries surveyed, Brazil were predicted to win by 24 percent of those surveyed, closely followed by Argentina with 23 percent, with Italy with 16 percent and England and Spain level on 8 percent.

In England, Beckham was predicted as the best World Cup player by just over a third of respondents, compared to Owen being considered the best by 5 percent. Worldwide, Beckham was second most nominated, rated as the best by 9 percent compared to Ronaldo, rated the best by 10 percent. However, in his own country, Brazil, Ronaldo only came second with 22 percent, beaten by Ronaldinho's 26 percent. The Argentinians also rated Owen more highly than did the English, with 10 percent considering him to be the best player. The Spanish were most loyal to their national players, with 47 percent of Spaniards considering Raul to be the best World Cup player.

Mike Jackson, director of Ipsos UK's Sports Sponsorship division, commented 'The fact that more Argentinians than English rate Owen as the best player in this World Cup illustrates the lasting psychological damage of his wonder-goal 4 years ago.'

The Ipsos Football World Cup Worldwide Survey was conducted by the Ipsos Group with 2,013 adults between 6 June and 10 June across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and England.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.