Women's World Cup 2011: Is Popularity Soccer in USA Headed for All-Time High?
By on June 21, 2011
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US Women's National Team Could Provide Kickstart for Soccer Popularity in US
After the USA took down Brazil, the Women's National team earned the top play on SportsCenter. It's an impressive feat, given the unresponsive nature to not only women's sports in the US, but soccer in general. Even more impressive? They edged out Derrick Jeter's 3000th hit.
The USA vs Brazil quarterfinal was one of the best sports events I have ever seen, in any sport. It led to a slew of media coverage, which has made for a huge increase in following.
Prior to the coverage on the events of the quarterfinals, many Americans were probably finding out that there was a Women's World Cup going on. For the lucky spectators who just happened to tune into the match, due to the "slow" day in sports, it provided a reason to continue watching.
The match was perfect for the US. It provided a lot of intangibles Americans seek in sports. The Women's National Team is competing on an international stage, representing their country. There isn't a shortage of attractive players on the pitch. They had to battle through adversity, most notably, the refs calling the game completely one sided.
World football hasn't caught on in the US like it has around the rest of the world. It's moments like the quarterfinal header from Abby Wambach in stoppage time in extra time time that make for moments that even spectators who aren't fans can appreciate.
Many Americans are new to watching soccer. Many watch only because there is no football, basketball, hockey or meaningful baseball on TV. That's the first step in getting America on board to support the Women's World Cup.
Soccer, much less women's soccer, isn't going to overtake the major four sports in the US. Even so, it's skyrocketing in popularity. This Women's World Cup is the most memorable since Brandy Chastain took her shirt off after winning the World Cup Final.
The US seems to be becoming more open to watching soccer. The World Cup in 2010 gained a huge following. This slow time in sports during the summer leaves America starved for sports action. Soccer could fill that void.
It's going to be four years until the Women's World Cup rolls around again, but it could be just the kick start some Americans need to get interested in the sport. This upcoming match against France isn't likely to be nearly as compelling as the USA vs Brazil match, but the quarterfinals match is likely to have a lot of first-time observers watching, which is a victory in itself.
Check back for more on Soccer as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s World Football/ Soccer Page to get your fill of World Football.
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