World Cup 2014: Study reveals how teams have been perceived
Experts have compiled a database which reveals the words most frequently used to describe countries at the World Cup.
The Cambridge University Press study of a range of media sources found the words most associated with England were 'exciting', 'disappointing' and 'inexperienced'.
Germany were described as 'powerful', 'focused' and 'committed', with their fellow finalists Argentina being labelled 'confident' and 'unconvincing'. Hosts Brazil were 'emotional', 'popular' and 'desperate'.
The multi-billion word database of written and spoken English language was designed to give an indication of how each team was perceived by media and fans alike.
Earlier research by the organisation found that confidence levels in England were rated at 77 out of 100 on the day of their opening match, which ended in a 2-1 defeat by Italy.
Words used the most to describe countries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Word 1 | Word 2 | Word 3 |
Source: Cambridge University Press
| |||
Algeria
|
determined
|
pride
|
together
|
Argentina
|
confident
|
flair
|
unconvincing
|
Australia
|
positive
|
effort
|
spirited
|
Belgium
|
flair
|
dark horse
|
talent
|
Bosnia and Hercegovina
|
injustice
|
defensive
|
forceful
|
Brazil
|
emotional
|
popular
|
desperate
|
Cameroon
|
hapless
|
battle
|
chaotic
|
Chile
|
attacking
|
tactical
|
thrilling
|
Colombia
|
unpredictable
|
exciting
|
attacking
|
Costa Rica
|
dynamic
|
pace
|
battle
|
Croatia
|
dangerous
|
tactical
|
competitive
|
Ecuador
|
inconsistent
|
strong
|
potential
|
England
|
exciting
|
inexperienced
|
disappointing
|
France
|
organised
|
defensive
|
exciting
|
Germany
|
powerful
|
focused
|
committed
|
Ghana
|
money
|
strike
|
powerful
|
Greece
|
defensive
|
cautious
|
stubborn
|
Honduras
|
physical
|
spirit
|
robust
|
Iran
|
defend
|
hope
|
drought
|
Italy
|
slow
|
vulnerable
|
pessimism
|
Ivory Coast
|
pace
|
physical
|
struggle
|
Japan
|
possession
|
disappointing
|
frustrated
|
Mexico
|
determined
|
tactical
|
talented
|
Netherlands
|
rampaging
|
strategy
|
stunning
|
Nigeria
|
inexperienced
|
speed
|
tough
|
Portugal
|
frustration
|
ego
|
disappointing
|
Russia
|
drab
|
error
|
mediocre
|
South Korea
|
woeful
|
failure
|
embarrassing
|
Spain
|
defensive
|
poor
|
humiliation
|
Switzerland
|
pace
|
difficult
|
talented
|
United States
|
determined
|
heroic
|
courageous
|
Uruguay
|
bite
|
disgrace
|
do-or-die
|
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