Paulo Saab, President of the Brazilian Electronic Products Manufacturers Association said, in spite of the high price of the products, Brazilian retailers have already sold more large screen and plasma TVs in a month than they sold in the whole year of 2005. "We expect to sell around 200,000 units only these three Cup months," said Saab.

Assuming Brazil progresses in the tournament, there will inevitably be a strong feel-good factor that will probably boost sales even more.

However, employers are being warned about a wave of absenteeism. Thousands are expected to call in sick in order to watch matches, while the hang-over from the partying will also keep people away from work.

To avoid this, most shops are closing their doors during Brazils games. Restaurants and bars that will work during the matches are already creating schedules to allow the employees to watch at least one of national team's games at home. Public services will not work during the matches.

Credit Card Company Master Card did a research that sums up the World Cup phenomenon in Brazil. The Consume and Passion research stated there is a clear relation between the level of passion the supporters show for their teams and their tendency to buy their teams products.

According to the research, Brazil is the country that spends the most in World Cup products, beating richer countries like Italy, Germany and England. 77% of Brazilians interviewed intended to spend an average US$100 during this Cup. As we can see.