JOHOR BARU, Malaysia - Football jerseys of countries in this year's World Cup are selling fast here as kick-off day nears.

Among local fans, jerseys of players of football giants like England, Germany, Brazil and Argentina are the most sought after.

AL-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd Johor Baru marketing manager Hamdan Sabie said local fans were eager to get their hands on jerseys of their favourite teams.

"Traditionally, Malaysians will pick strong teams like Argentina, Germany, Spain, England and Brazil to cheer on during the World Cup tournament.

"Although this is the first time that the World Cup is being held on the African continent, their teams do not have a strong fan base here. However, we also carry jerseys from the South African team," he said.

Hamdan said so far, 30% to 40% of its stock of football jerseys had been sold.

"I expect all to be sold once the tournament gets underway," he said, adding that besides jerseys, fans also snapped up T-shirts of their favourite teams as well as World Cup merchandise like the tournament's official ball.

Adidas senior sales associate Gan Yee Phen said local fans would often pick jerseys according to their design just to be part of the World Cup fever.

"But there are hardcore fans who choose their jerseys according to the team's history in the World Cup tournament or their favourite players," he said.

-The Star/Asia News Network

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