Football: As a star, you've got to have faith

Photo / AP

Football is a religion, as the cliché goes. However, the statement appears to have merit, judging by the images of hands clasped in prayer before penalty shootouts or during the dying throes of a tight match. Players cross themselves before heading on to the pitch and point to the skies after scoring.

Image 1 of 7: Brazilian fans are in good voice ahead of their team's quarter-final against Colombia in Fortaleza. Photo / Getty Images

So what happens when all these football religious countries gather at a World Cup? Whose god has more influence?

With the help of the internet's CIA factbook, the Herald on Sunday has pieced together the evidence from previous matches and looks at what is to come.

There will be smiles aplenty in the Vatican City. The Pope will be a proud chap, with six of the eight quarter-finalists from predominantly Catholic countries and at least two semi-finalists. Among those still in the hunt — at least until this morning's games — was the Pope's homeland of Argentina.

If you're Protestant, Germany's your best remaining bet and those of an atheistic or agnostic bent might opt for the Netherlands where, circa 2009, 42 per cent had no religious affiliation.

Muslim hopes vanished when Nigeria and Algeria departed from the round of 16.

Likewise, Greek Orthodox faith was dented at the same stage with Greece's exit.