The World Cup contest on the field is being matched by one in the shops as the top two sportswear makers battle for the biggest sales. <br /><br />Adidas – whose kit is used by nine of the team’s taking part – is set to retain its position as the world’s biggest seller of football gear, helped by growing enthusiasm for the sport in the United States. <br /><br />Soccer American store manager Sam Jones in Maryland said: “Sales have been just ridiculous, especially for the US. I would say it’s probably double what is was last World Cup. World Cup fever is here so it’s just absolutely crazy.”<br /><br />Arch rival Nike has also scoring big, for the first time kitting out more World Cup teams – 10 out of 32 participants – including hosts and favourites Brazil.<br /><br />The world’s biggest sportswear company also says it has overtaken Adidas in sales of boots, including in its home market Germany.<br /><br />with Reuters
