Sportswear companies seek World Cup domination

Nike has signed six of the world's most marketable soccer players while Adidas has just three. That's according to sports marketing research group Repucom.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is Nike's main man and he helped sell more than one million shirts bearing his name last year. The branding benefits are shared, though, because Adidas sponsors Real Madrid and Lionel Messi of Argentina, who also has a world-class reputation and significant market value. Nike is equipping more World Cup teams - 10 out of 32 finalists - including Brazil. Adidas is supplying nine, including reigning champion Spain and Argentina and Germany. Adidas expects to make a record 2 billion euros from soccer this year while Nike looks to collect about $2 billion, Xinhuanet reports.