Fans to blow £500million on booze watching the last-32 World Cup games

Fans are set to spend about £500 million on drinks while watching the World Cup Round of 32, with England drawing the biggest local interest after their 2-0 win over Panama. Retail analysts VoucherCodes forecast that 19 million Brits will tune in to the knockout matches, more than during the group stage. Spending is expected to rise 35% versus group games, reaching £499 million across the first knockout stage, or about £31 million per match. The company also estimates the UK economy will gain £3.8 billion from retail and hospitality. Supermarkets are forecast to collect £249 million, with food and drink leading at this level. Hospitality spending is projected at £104.1 million, including 7.3 million fans going to pubs.