An official report on the New Year event has highlighted it as a significant economic generator, not just for the capital but for Scotland.

BBC: Edinburgh on Hogmanay

In short, while Moscow's leverage over the Baltic states in the energy sector may be fairly significant, dislocations in the event of a Soviet economic boycott would actually be mutual.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

In the meantime, Australian rugby fans can take comfort from the fact that while their national team lost in the World Cup Final, the event as a whole generated "significant economic activity and revenue".

BBC: NEWS | Business | World Cup lifts Australia economy