Women’s World Cup Rating For USA-Japan: 8.6
Soccer, Television July 18th. 2011, 11:28am
USA-Japan registered a blockbuster 8.6 rating on ESPN Sunday, falling short of the number USA and Brazil China rang up in the 1999 Final (13.3). Two things to keep in mind – the 1999 game was held in the United States and televised on ABC. The highest-rated market for Sunday’s match was in Baltimore, and for whatever reason, DC and Norfolk were also in the Top 5.
What does all of this mean? People like events featuring American teams! This is true. As Dan Wolken points out, the 2010 Olympic hockey gold medal game between the US and Canada was watched by 27 million people, making it one of the most-watched sporting events of 2009 or 2010. And?
Clay Travis noted that the women’s soccer rating topped the average for the 2010 World Series between the Rangers and the Giants. Of course, that was played in the midst of football season. (Soccer fan response: But the World Series was at night when more people are watching TV and it aired on network TV!) Travis also mentioned how the rating for USA-Japan crushed Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
But trying to read too much into the 8.6 is probably not wise. I hate the phrase, “it is what it is” … but that’s what this rating is. A large number of people watched a women’s soccer match. It set a record on twitter! Will this lead ESPN to televise more women’s soccer friendlies? Who knows. At the local level, perhaps there will be a spike in little girls wanting to play soccer because they thought Alex Morgan was terrific or Abby Wambach was awesome. Wambach and goalie Hope Solo will be on Letterman tonight, and it’s safe to say those two, along with Morgan, will be busy on the media/marketing front in the months to come.
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94 Responses to “Women’s World Cup Rating For USA-Japan: 8.6”
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July 18th, 2011 at 11:29 AM
What does all of this mean?
For women’s soccer in the US as a whole? Nothing.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Hope Abby Wambach didn’t send that photo to as many people as Elaine sent that Christmas card to.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I’m not going to comment on the absurdity of television ratings as a huge factor in determining the popularity/potential success as a sport. Especially when it is a sport that’s wrapped in the American flag.
I am curious though… if the men’s team had done what the women’s team did, would they be called out for “choking?” I didn’t hear to much of the c-word being passed around last night, when it certainly looks like those who believe in the concept of choking had a perfect example of an instance where it occurred. The women had that game won, twice.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:33 AM
i was playing golf.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Question: Next summer @ the Olympics, will we see the same Women’s team? Abby, Hope, etc…? Or will there be some sort of change over..
July 18th, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Hope Abby Wambach didn’t send that photo to as many people as Elaine sent that Christmas card to.
Here is your Christmas card!
July 18th, 2011 at 11:34 AM
This doesn’t mean shit. American’s like events, and the WC is an event. In 4 years people will care again. In the interim no one will give a shit.
/can a brother get some CFB talk up in this bitch?
July 18th, 2011 at 11:35 AM
True. It’s not like Women’s Professional Soccer is going to see a huge boost in ratings after the World Cup.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
I wasn’t around earlier this morning. Have we already exhausted the topic of whether this was an epic choke job?
July 18th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
That was not a choke in any sport played by any gender.
Any hack sportswriter or analyst who uses it should get Gus Fring’d.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
I missed the second half on due to my own soccer game. 6 “teammates” didn’t show up (and didn’t inform us of such douchebaggery) and we had to play down a man with no subs. Down 4-2 with 15 minutes left, we rattled off 3 goals (including the game winner with 30 seconds to play). It was awesome.
/I’d like to send a “fuck you” out to the assholes who didn’t show up
July 18th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
That pretty much sums it up. Wonder what this would have drawn without US involvment? A 3.0 at best I presume.
A cpl other ratings for reference : this match beat the 2010 WC final Spain/Netherlands (8.1) and ever so slightly edged the US/Ghana match (8.5).
Also:
Actually, all sources I see have it as 11.6 And, more importantly, the US played China, not Brazil.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:37 AM
But trying to read too much into the 8.6 is probably not wise.
Unless you’re comparing it to the MLB, right TBL?
July 18th, 2011 at 11:37 AM
If you weren’t sensing doom on the corner kick that tied it 2-2, you’re a very positive person.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Is there one already? They were talking about how one of the Japanese women played on a team called the Boston Breakers.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
They probably could communicate more effectively on defense when clearing if they weren’t wearing headphones.
/Wait those aren’t headphone wires?
July 18th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I don’t understand where this restraint was earlier. It’s like’s hands each don’t know what the other is doing. The left hand types comments and the right hand types posts. And they could not be more different.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
it means there wasn’t much else to watch besides golf.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
That was not a choke in any sport played by any gender.
Really? Missing 3 PK’s when the numbers suggest that you should only miss about 14% of the time? The one girl missed the net completely. Huh… I thought this would be Exhibit A in the “See… choking does exist ATL_Badger!” I guess I was wrong.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
These soccer tournaments are like the Olympics. It doesn’t seem to have any impact on domestic league. However I expect to see steady growth when it comes to foreign leagues such as epl or champions league.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
If you weren’t sensing doom on the corner kick that tied it 2-2, you’re a very positive person.
As soon as I saw Solo limping and trainers running onto the field, I knew we were fucked.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
this.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I’m surprised how few people were talking about how we gave them their 2 goals, and we should have had about 9.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
For some reason I read this comment in Ben Stein voice.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
it means there wasn’t much else to watch besides golf.
Actually golf was over before coverage of the World Cup Final started.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:40 AM
They’ll both be like 30. I’m sure they’ll still be playing.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:40 AM
We’re not going to see another women’s soccer league in the US, are we
I’ve driven by the “stadium” where the Atlanta Beat play a few times. I think a couple of players on the USWNT play for the Beat actually. Lloyd is a name that comes to mind.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:41 AM
There is definitely an impact at the very bottom, which is what TBL mentioned as far as little kids showing interest in the sport and wanting to play. But viewer interest won’t change.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I don’t know the percentages, but I don’t believe that was a choke at all. The US played a better first half, Japan a better second half. The overtimes were split. I think the US women looked gassed in the overtimes. I also think airmailing that one PK pretty much sealed their fate.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Brady Hoke looks like the mechanic that steals George’s Twix in The Dealership episode.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Not until they turn Hope Solo into the Danica Patrick of soccer.
/RATINGS!
July 18th, 2011 at 11:46 AM
so nothing to watch….
July 18th, 2011 at 11:46 AM
True, but ABC did have some coverage of the Open Championship that started at 3 Eastern during the World Cup. I’m not sure why, but they did.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Yeah. Too bad wrestling wasn’t on. For shame.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Maybe, but doubtful. They really needed a win to capitalize on things. Not winning will make people forget that much quicker.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:48 AM
somebody may have mentioned this already, but I’d be interested to know how much money in endorsements these girls lost by not winning the World Cup. all three of them were darlings for the US and I’d think they would be in HIGH demand for endorsements if they’d won yesterday. I’m sure all three will do well in the endorsement arena, but I’d think the loss muted some of that demand.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:48 AM
http://twitter.com/#!/TheBigLead/status/92705744322953216
July 18th, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Any hack sportswriter or analyst who uses it should get Gus Fring’d.
http://twitter.com/#!/TheBigLead/status/92705744322953216
you deserve a gold medal for that.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Good question.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:49 AM
same here. had a 9:20 tee time, it was still 95* when we got done, but damn did I feel bad for the saps that were just teeing off on #1 when I was heading to the truck.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:49 AM
takes bow (?)
July 18th, 2011 at 11:49 AM
if that means go daddy ads and a spot in the SI swimsuit issue, I’m down.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:52 AM
It was on later and it was awesome.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:53 AM
At least it will be deserved in Hope’s case.
/Not on Team Danica
July 18th, 2011 at 11:54 AM
I felt bad for Wambach. As others have mentioned this is a once in awhile event that was compelling to watch, it means nothing for state of women’s soccer in the country’s sports conscious.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:54 AM
i was playing golf.
yep. wrapping up a 72 hole run with my new pings. taylor made irons can now kiss my ass.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:55 AM
+ 1 thinly veiled shot at Janoff
July 18th, 2011 at 11:55 AM
what’d you get? g15?
July 18th, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Not until they turn Hope Solo into the Danica Patrick of soccer.
Well that’s mean. Hope Solo is actually good at what she does.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:56 AM
same here. had a 9:20 tee time, it was still 95* when we got done, but damn did I feel bad for the saps that were just teeing off on #1 when I was heading to the truck.
i had an 11, and it was hot.
/team black shirt
<— idiot
July 18th, 2011 at 11:57 AM
what’d you get? g15?
yes. they are so easy to hit, and actually have some feel to them. compared to my last 2 sets of tm burners, the pings are so much better.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Played the East Course at the Broadmoor this weekend. Holy shit those greens are tough to read.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:58 AM
takes bow (?)
I think he was talking to Hawkeye.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I think he was talking to Hawkeye.
I was. Oh well.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:59 AM
well, it wasn’t intended to be at all. but I’ll take it.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Spencer – didn’t use your line so I didn’t get you a Broadmoor ball mark or anything. Didn’t look but based on how expensive everything else was, I’m sure that thing would have cost $25 at least.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I can’t believe the Olympics are just a summer away.
Also, Wambach should have scored with 2 minutes remaining in the final extra time. She blew that one.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I’m pissed about this game. From the second half on there was a complete lack of focus and discipline on the American team’s part. Maybe it was because they were tired, maybe it was because they underestimated their opponent, maybe it was because they used up everything in the Brazil game. But the bad crosses, the horrible clearing attempts (specifically the one that lead to Japan’s first goal), and the lack of finishing took its toll.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:02 PM
any highlights?
pings used to get knocked for their feel…their latest line though is fantastic. im completely sold on the s56.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:02 PM
pssh…they think they’re a nice, US open worthy course and they don’t even give out cheapo metal ball marks next to tees? PSSSH.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Is the medal actually chocolate wrapped in gold foil? I’ll take that
July 18th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. fuck team undershirt when it is hot as piss. ClimaCool shirts are made for a reason. even a hot ass breeze will cool you down a little bit.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Is the medal actually chocolate wrapped in gold foil? I’ll take that
This made me think of Homer and the Key to the City in the Mr. Plow episode.
/It was never wrapped foil!
July 18th, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. fuck team undershirt when it is hot as piss
I’m team undershirt no matter the weather. In the cool weather it keeps you warm and in weather like we’ve been having here in Texas, it keeps your shirts from becoming translucent from sweat and having to get them dry cleaned once a week.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Golf related?
Shot 87 with two legit four-putts. (I’m an 8.3 index so that’s probably right on track with the awful putting). Played one of the par 5′s (580 yds) by hitting a 340 yd drive and a 240 yd 3-hybrid. Still only made par.
I drank a bunch of Coors Original, which seemed appropriate. Helped with 2 birides.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:06 PM
i love the dri-fit type shit for golf…no way could i go back to cotton shirts and shorts.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:07 PM
very nice.
last question…how much yardage did you gain from the elevation?
July 18th, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Finally coming around.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:09 PM
I used to be, up until a couple weeks ago when my dad hooked me up with these shirts. I tried them with a cotton t-shirt underneath and they didn’t breathe at all. tried it yesterday without and it was awesome. the beauty is you can’t really sweat through since they dry to damn quick.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:11 PM
only when golfing in 90* and up heat, but like 096 said, so nice when it is hot.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:12 PM
About 10%. I hit my 9 about 150 at regular elevation. Had a par 3 at the Broadmoor that was playing 155 to the flag. Hit the 9, pured it, and it went over the green by about 5 yards.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Not that I saw anyway.
Golf hats – $30.
Polo Golf Shirt – $100++.
Green Fee – $250.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Less that I would have expected
July 18th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
damn, that’s a pretty big change.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I know it would lose some of it’s luster but I wish the World Cup was played every two years instead of four.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Undershirts are awful. An especially bad look in the summer.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
I know it would lose some of it’s luster but I wish the World Cup was played every two years instead of four.
They should keep it every 4… but I don’t know why they have the men’s and womens in back to back years. They should do it like the winter/summer olympics… every 2 years you get either a mens or womens world cup.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Yeah but what gets you is the subtle (looking) changes in elevation. So it’s 170 yds to the green and you want to play your 180 club but it’s actually also 20 yards back uphill toward the mountain…so wtf do you do? The answer? It doesn’t fucking matter because you aren’t going to make any putts anyway.
It would take at least 3 times playing that course to be comfortable at all to even read the greens. Anybody that says otherwise is lying.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:22 PM
shoot the hostage.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Ritty? 9 Iron 150? you de-lofting at all? I used to do that and had no control.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:24 PM
shoot the hostage.
+1 Runaway bus.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Nah. I hit a high draw. My problem is consistency. When I don’t have that draw working, it’s going to be in the 140-145 range which is probably more on target for my skill range.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
awesome. I missed probably 4 or 5 puts inside of 6′ yesterday. chipped in for birdie from about 10 yards out or I probably would have missed another one.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Undershirts are awful. An especially bad look in the summer.
Pit stains are apparently the way to go in the Hernia household.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Everyone…solution…buy v-neck undershirts. You don’t see them under the collar and they soak up sweat.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:34 PM
i must say that, after finally being able to hit a draw consistently the past month, it’s fucking nice to have in the bag.
on the other side…gaining 20 yards per club out of nowhere really fucks with your head. ive been flying greens left and right…frustrating as all hell.
/hitting my irons way farther…hitting my driver way worse
//fuck golf
July 18th, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Switch to Mitchum, bruh.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Rich – i wear undershirts in the summer because i sweat through my t-shirt and would rather not have wet spots on my outer t-shirt.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Are you guys really sweating like Patrick Ewing?
July 18th, 2011 at 12:39 PM
that’s called business as usual in houston.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Are you guys really sweating like Patrick Ewing?
The 10 day weather outlook for Dallas, Texas: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/75206
I have a short walk, less than 100 yards, four times a day between the garage where I park and my office. While not I’m not a Patrick Ewing, that heat will make anyone start to perspire in that distance.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Especially when you wear double the necessary shirts.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Especially when you wear double the necessary shirts.
The undershirt soaks up any sweat. I’d much rather wash a $5 undershirt than take an $60 button down shirt to the cleaners once a week.
July 18th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
TBL – me rich? Or is there another on here? I’m with you. I wear the v-neck undershirt because it’s comfortable and because it’s functional with the underarm sweat.
Do you guys wear an undershirt with starched dress shirts? I don’t know how some people don’t.