Once every four years, 24 European countries get together to play the age-old sport of soccer. While to many Aussies, it's just kicking the wrong-shaped ball around for 90 minutes, many of us love seeing the highest-paid sports stars in the world slog it out in a quest to be crowned the best on the continent.
Following a crazy year of club soccer, which saw Leicester City win the Premier League in England at odds of 5,000/1, the Euros could be quite the exciting affair. It's the year of the underdog, and that means anyone can win it.
Still unconvinced? Would you rather dedicate your time this winter to watching State of Origin? Would it help if we told you that, for insurance brokers, some of these teams likely have similar characteristics to your clients?
Take a look and see which Euro 2016 team best resembles the businesses you work with:
1) Sweden
Big and hard-hitting, but rather slow, the ever-present Swedish soccer team are the tallest side in the Euros, the Guardian humorously found. At nearly two metres tall, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is among the tallest in his squad, and is also the most deadly in front of goal, having put away 62 in 113 matches for his country – a better strike ratio than any other player in the tournament.
It could make them a little stiff and slow, though, much like a business that has recently undergone a growth spurt. If your clients are finding their new size hard to deal with, they may want to focus on their core strengths rather than try and outpace other, more agile businesses.
2) England
Confident and sure of their success, but with a slight lack of realism. England haven't won a major tournament since 1966, though they always have a team capable of beating the rest. While this year's young and revitalised squad might do it, that confidence could be misplaced – as it is among some business clients.
These clients are arguably some of the most in need companies for business insurance brokers to target. Their tunnel vision might lead to important oversights, which has caused Australia to be a hive of business underinsurance.
3) Spain
Small and innovative, but without much clout, the Spanish soccer team have won the past two Euro competitions thanks to their innovative, quick-passing game. In the past four years, though, a lot has changed.
The team doesn't have the firepower they once did up front, while they're statistically the smallest collection of players in the whole tournament by stature. The small or even micro businesses you work with might find themselves in the same position.
Startups and small companies may be some of the most innovative, though don't have the financial muscle to make a push for their own title. Why not introduce them to premium funding to improve their cash flows and make business insurance much more affordable?
4) Slovakia/Republic of Ireland
Experienced yet in a tough market, both of these teams are some of the most experienced in the tournament, with median ages both over 30. However, each find themselves placed against tough opposition in the group stages, with England, Russia, Germany, Wales and Poland all gunning for them.
Your clients might be in a similar situation. Some markets are saturated, making risk levels high – another instance where brokers need to focus on filling the underinsurance gaps.
5) Germany
Young and going places, Germany are an incredibly efficient team, with youth on their side. Their average age is the second lowest in the Euros at 26.4, according to the Guardian, which is a situation many companies find themselves in.
The march of the millennials is in full flow, and the German national team may have this to their advantage – as might many of your clients. Approach and solve their particular needs when it comes to business insurance and both you and Die Mannschaft might be well compensated.
6) France
Full of potential, but trying to connect the dots, the French team is a squad of superstars. Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba, Kingsley Coman and Dmitri Payet all had standout seasons this year, but will this up-and-coming team be able to cope with so many individuals hungry for their own success?
Not all businesses are able to see the bigger picture, which is something for an insurance broker to help with when it comes to managing risk. Are you struggling to translate their risks into a comprehensive policy? Perhaps insurance financing can help to bridge the language gap.
With the 2016 Euros in full force, we can't wait to see which of these characters come out on top, and whether that can translate to the wider world of business.
