The Oxford study tested saliva from Brazilian fans during their historic loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. The researchers found no difference in stress levels between men and women during the game, despite preconceptions men are more "bonded to their football teams". Previous research has shown an increase in heart attacks among fans on important match days, whether supporting club or country. Harrowing matchIn their study, the University of Oxford researchers tracked cortisol levels in 40 fans' saliva before, during and after three World Cup matches. But the fans had used coping strategies such as humour and hugging to reduce their stress, bringing it down to pre-match levels by the final whistle.

Source: BBC January 24, 2020 00:56 UTC