SportBusiness.com

Big 4 markets risk Euro exit

The four biggest soccer markets in Europe could all be out of Euro 2004 this evening, after Germany joined Italy and Spain on an early flight home.

Only England remains in the tournament out of the recognised four major markets in Europe - and it plays hosts Portugal tonight in the first of the quarter-finals.

The loss of all four at such an early stage in the tournament would undoubtedly damage merchandise sales for the event, with still more than a week of the tournament remaining.

However, Germany’s victors last night, the Czech Republic, are seeing their success fuel an economic boom at home.

White goods shop Datart says sales have risen 20 percent thanks to the team’s 100 percent win record during the first round.

Key sellers are television and fridges.