Which World Cup Team was 'desperate'?
England were eliminated after just two matches of
the group stage
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
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
Source: Cambridge University Press
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/28247716