WORLD CUP SIDELIGHTS: Facebook power

CEBU, Philippines - All kinds of research and surveys were made related to the World Cup.  According to data obtained by Reuters between June 12 to June 29, it shows that the football tournament is the most talked about event on Facebook involving 220 million people and 1 billion interactions.

FB had 459 million interactions in the first week of the tournament and the billion mark came when matches moved up to the knockout stage.  On Brazil's win over Chile, more than 31 million people posted 71 million messages, likes and comments.  With still a week to go, several millions more of interactions will be recorded on Facebook.

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Germany is facing a serious problem.  Reports say that seven of their players are showing signs of flu-like symptoms.  The development worries German fans as they will be facing tomorrow a very strong French team.  They must have a complete and healthy unit if they want to make it to a fourth consecutive World Cup semis.  No country has ever made it to the Final Four in four consecutive World Cups.

Meanwhile, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has declared as a half-day holiday the day Colombia faces Brazil in the other quarter finalmatch tomorrow.

Colombia is into their first-ever WC quarters and their president gave the afternoon off for the people to watch and support their national football team. (FREEMAN)