World Cup mistake boosts goalie's earnings

Berlin - Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is worth more to sponsors thanks to his error in the World Cup final.

His mistake allowed Brazil to score the opening goal in their 2-0 win, but boosted his value for Japanese advertisers.

Kahn has signed a multi-million pound advertising deal with the Japanese tyre manufacturers Bridgestone.

Marketing boss, Jens-Uwe Seiffert, says: "The tragedy in the World Cup final has only increased sympathy for Kahn in Japan."

Bridgestone is using his image for a poster and television advertising campaign.

Kahn was voted the outstanding player at the World Cup, despite his howler against Brazil when he spilled a shot and allowed Ronaldo to tap the ball into the net.

But he is now becoming as well known for his advertising worth as he is for his skills on the pitch, having bagged contracts with Adidas, Lion bar, Tabac perfume for men, pay-TV channel Premiere and a Japanese financial service provider, Tendenz.

Latest estimates put his income at over £1.6 million a year. -- Annanova News

Brudirect.com