A die-hard Brazil supporter who says he is “living paycheque to paycheque” is hoping his bank will be lenient after he gambled part of his car-loan money on what he believed was a “sure win”.

Jimmy* said he placed a $34,000 bet on Brazil to beat Norway, convinced the five-time champions would not disappoint him. Instead, Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup loss yesterday has left him short on his monthly car-loan payment, which is due this week.

“I put down $34,000. It might not sound like a lot to some people, but to me that is serious money,” Jimmy said. He said he had managed to put aside $46,000 towards the loan payment and was hoping to use the bet to make up the difference while leaving himself with a little extra cash for the week.