A link between Toxoplasmosis and World Cup victory

The question is very simple, really: Could Toxoplasma gondii help your country win the World Cup?

Before we dismiss this idea, look at the observations/data here (and elsewhere...some I have linked here).

Toxo can be found in almost every type of mammal, from rats to humans. The overall goal of the parasite is to end up in a feline stomach, which is the only place it can reproduce. In other mammals, humans for example, the parasite heads for the brain. It is estimated that nearly 1/3 of the human population has a latent Toxo infection, with individual countries having infection rates varying from 6% (Korea) to 92% (Ghana).

Studies have also shown behavioral changes in humans, including slower reaction times and a sixfold increased risk of traffic accidents among infected males.

OK, back to soccer:

Countries with greater incidence of this parasitic infection in their populations tend to win more world cups than those without. The article, written by a Stanford University neuroscientist, goes on to try out various rationales for such a correlation, ranging from increased testosterone to increased dissent of authority — all symptoms of a Toxo infection.

Now we just need to find a parasite that causes an inability to referee properly, and we'll have this whole World Cup business all sorted out.":)

Based on these studies, I think we can conclude that Norway is absolutely free of that bug...
We do not win diddley when it comes to football:(

So...


now...


I might...



be able...


to understand this.

It's my CATS that are making me stupid?

I thought I was getting old.

Maybe some whizzkid of a scientist would be able to prove that it's the countries with best football players that win the most World Cups. Especially if sufficient research funding was available.

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Originally Posted by welshwizard

Maybe some whizzkid of a scientist would be able to prove that it's the countries with best football players that win the most World Cups. Especially if sufficient research funding was available.

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You don't need science to prove that point :). If you're good, you will stand a very good chance to win. This is merely to show that Toxo may help in that regard...the Toxo study kinda shows a trend...no proof, just trend.

Countries with a greater incidence of Brazilian waxing styles also tend to win more world cups than those who don't.

I reckon the whole England squad should get themselves to the beautician asap!

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Originally Posted by majurey

Countries with a greater incidence of Brazilian waxing styles also tend to win more world cups than those who don't.

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Germans only wax their moustaches.

Countries that drive on the left have nearly 100% success rate.

in the words of the great John Madden:
"the easiest way to win the game everytime, is to score more points then the other team"

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Originally Posted by chee16

in the words of the great John Madden:
"the easiest way to win the game everytime, is to score more points then the other team"

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True and logical!

But then the team with the most Toxo may have the advantage and score more, therefore winning the game :rofl2::roflmao. So, we won't know if it was because of Toxo or not...Plot thickens, heh?

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Originally Posted by BladeRunner001

But then the team with the most Toxo may have the advantage and score more, therefore winning the game

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Probably the two most high profile Toxaplasmosis sufferers in the sporting arena are Sebastian Coe and Martina Navratilova. Certainly Seb Coe made a comeback after extensive treatment, but it signalled the beginning of the end for his running career.
I think that in this case the scientist has gone public way too early with a fairly tenuous relationship between Toxaplasmosis and footballing success.
Spurred no doubt by the need for 15 minutes of fame while the World Cup is still in the news.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by welshwizard

I think that in this case the scientist has gone public way too early with a fairly tenuous relationship between Toxaplasmosis and footballing success.
Spurred no doubt by the need for 15 minutes of fame while the World Cup is still in the news.

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Maybe, maybe not...I thought it was funny though. These kinds of Trend analysis/studies are always on the fence. It's only a trend and you can do it with anything. I could probably make a similar case with:

1. Length of hair
2. Wet shavers or not (sub category of str8, DE or cartridge)
3. etc

That may be fun :)