Big Serbian Cup bill

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP):

Serbian economists estimate they lose up to US$28 million for every World Cup match the national team plays due to absent workers. An employers' association is suggesting that companies reduce working hours to avoid other such walkouts.

Despite the widespread poverty and sour economy, Serbia's cafes are packed with people during the games, no matter who is playing.

There may be a silver lining in the dark cloud of lost productivity, however: Serbia lost their first game to Ghana, 1-0.

Some say a poor showing by the team could lower interest in the tournament and return employees to work, but 42-year-old lawyer Blagoje Ciric, sipping a beer on a hot Belgrade morning earlier this week, has his doubts. Especially since Serbia plays powerful Germany on Friday.

"I have little hope now that Serbia will beat anyone if they didn't beat Ghana," he said. "Still, I'll watch other games. Football is football!"

In Germany, known for its industriousness and strong work ethic, the great debate is whether employees will be allowed to watch while on the job.

Companies from Alliance to GRG Services GmbH say they will allow people to watch, and even project the game onto screens set up in conference rooms.

"Those who aren't interested in football are, of course, welcome to keep working," Stephan Schwarz, head of GRG Services, told the mass circulation daily Bild.