FH 2nd most popular men's sport in world?

Some while back in this newsgroup, I believe, a statement was made by
someone that field hockey was, at least at one time, the second most popular
MEN'S sport in the world. I can well believe that after many years spent
monitoring this ng :) but now I'd like to know if that has ever been
documented anywhere? vs just being someone's opinion? I expect that soccer
is probably #1, but I'd be curious to know if anyone has ever seen any kind
of stats to support FH being #2? If it still is, of course, or at least
where it might fall in such a list.

I realize full well it's not very popular here in the US for *men*, which I
strongly believe is a huge pity, but to settle an argument with a friend :)
I'd really like to get some kind of "ammunition" to prove my point that it
truly is as popular in the rest of the world as I believe it is.

Thanks!

elaine
aka the former NCAA Scores Mom :)
--
Elaine Pack, Web Analyst
Charlottesville, VA
epackngcisATpackwebs.net