Stephen Hawking helps England prepare for World Cup

By Kim Young-jin

British physicist Stephen Hawking, considered one of the world’s most brilliant minds, has analyzed his country’s chances in this year’s World Cup and come up with some interesting tips.

Asked to make the analysis by Irish betting firm Paddy Power, Hawking looked at data from every World Cup since 1966.

Based on the data, Hawking said his country’s odds would be better if the team wore red uniforms and played in a 4-3-3 formation.

“Psychologists in Germany found red makes teams feel more confident and can lead them to being perceived as more aggressive and dominant. Likewise, 4-3-3 is more positive so the team benefits for similar psychological reasons,” he wrote.

They are also likely to play better in nice weather and in games that start around 3 p.m., said Hawking, who is almost completely paralyzed by motor neuron disease.

The professor offered advice on taking penalty shots, long a problem for the English squad. He said velocity is the most important factor and that a player needs at least a three-step run before kicking the ball.

Hawking, who is known to have a good sense of humor, admitted that soccer is difficult to explain.

"It is hugely complicated," he said. "In fact, compared to football I think quantum physics is relatively straightforward."