World Cup Tracker

ING estimates that Dutch fans will spend more than Euro 60 million 73 million on orange fan articles, the national teams colour. But its not all good news for the countrys productivity. ING estimates that one in nine people are planning to watch World Cup matches at work. If 11 per cent of Dutch employees are doing something other than working during a match,that quickly adds up to 1.5 million lost work hours, the bank said. On the upside,nearly one in four employees believe the tournament will improve the atmosphere at their place of work.

The almost Brazilian

With his name and knack for goals,Gervinho sounds like the latest Brazilian export to the world stage. But the young Ivory Coast striker says he is pure African. Gervinho,who scored 13 goals for French club Lille last season,speaks no Portuguese and has never been to Brazil. Kouassi Gervais Yao said he got the nickname from a Brazilian coach who trained him at Ivory Coasts top academy for footballing talents. Gervinho considered it an honor. I really like it, said Gervinho,who turns 23 on Thursday.

Please beer with fans

Brazils government slashed import tariffs slapped on beer cans to avoid shortages of the beverage during the World Cup in South Africa. The Ministry of Development,Industry and Foreign Trade said import tariffs levied on aluminum cans used by the local beer industry will be temporarily reduced from 16 per cent to 2 per cent. The state news service Agencia Brasil said the ministry decided to reduce the tariffs to prevent shortages because local can manufacturers are operating to full capacity and consumption is expected to rise by at least 15 per cent during the Wold Cup.

Spain feeling good

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez says Spain head to the World Cup in a similar state of mind to the one they had when it won the 2008 European Championship. Xavi says that although there are new players involved and a new coach in charge,the good feeling in the squad is the same as it was two years ago. The extra experience in top-level competitions should help Spain in the World Cup,Xavi said on Monday at the squads Austrian training camp.

Kakas a friend: Melo

Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo said on Monday there is no animosity between him and Kaka after a misunderstanding during practice led to speculation that the two were not talking to each other. Some Brazilian media reported that Kaka was upset with Felipe Melo after a hard challenge during a practice at the teams camp in South Africa,but the Juventus player said that he had nothing to do with the play and was unjustly accused. The misunderstanding occurred after a photograph was published showing Kaka apparently not wanting help from Felipe Melo to get up after the tackle. It was actually Robinho who went in hard on Kaka. Im not a bad person, Felipe Melo said. The way they newspapers had it,it seems like Im a bad person. If I go hard in a challenge,its because its the way I play,but not because Im a bad person8230;. I have family,they see this and they will come to me asking why Im doing this to Kaka.

One for grandpa

Brazil striker Luis Fabiano is playing in the World Cup to win a title for his late grandfather. The Sevilla forward known for his razor-sharp finishing ability and sometimes hot temper turned emotional when asked about his motivation going into the tournament in South Africa. Luis Fabiano was raised by his grandfather Benedito,and said that if Brazil win the trophy he will dedicate it to the man who helped him become a professional footballer. Agencies