体坛英语新闻：World Cup becomes bonanza for Mexico

MEXICO CITY, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The World Cup has brought great fortune to Mexico with big sales of souvenir and drinks.

Only in the capital city, soccer fans will consume up to 262 million U.S. dollars during the World Cup finals, according to official statistics.

Mexico City's Commerce, Service and Tourism Chamber estimated that Mexico City citizens will spent all together 3.2 billion Mexico Pesos (about 262 million U.S. dollars) on World Cup related products and services.

Meanwhile, some marketing companies estimates that Mexicans will spent a total of 82.5 billion Mexico Pesos (about 6.76 billion U.S. Dollars) on products including T-shirts, national flags, drinks and food.

Juan Jose Ortiz, a bar manager at Mexico City, believed the World Cup has helped create job opportunities, as some bars and restaurants owners expanded their business and hired more staff to meet the demands during the World Cup.

"It's quite helpful. It helps us a lot and creates jobs for jobless people," said Ortiz.

During the World Cup, more that 60 percent office workers are allowed to watch TV during office hours. Some companies even give them a chance to fully enjoy the time in bars.

"I think it's an important moment for many companies, business owners and employees. They make money from here...Just see what we're enjoying. They're making money today," said soccer fan Hector Segura, who is watching the World Cup at a bar.