Soccer in the USA is growing in popularity, there can be no denying that, and thanks to the efforts of a spritely German and his eleven never-say-die charges, the 2014 World Cup saw an unprecedented rise in viewership from the States, with Americans everywhere sitting up and taking stock of the events in Brazil this summer.
Those searching for Super Bowl 2015 Championship game info may stumble across some unexpected statistics comparing the 2014 World Cup and the 2014 Super Bowl earlier this year; further proof of soccer’s continued assault on the viewing figures across the country.
According stats compiled by techcrunch.com, there were 1.7 million viewers tuning into the WatchESPN app and live stream during USA’s 1-0 defeat to Germany last month, beating the 1.1 million Super Bowl watchers clocked on the Fox Sports Go online streaming service!
While this is quite a specific comparison, and does not take into account television ratings, it does indicate a blossoming interest in the ‘beautiful game’ from the US. Of course it would be folly to take these statistics and declare the soccer World Cup to be a bigger deal to Americans than the Super Bowl, it was clear that a number of key boxes that were ticked in Brazil in terms of interest to the States, with Jurgen Klinsmann’s boys putting on a show that demanded to be watched.
Right from the first match against Ghana, the USA thrilled audiences world-wide, igniting a fire in the bellies of all Americans, pulling them in to the nail-biting drama and excitement. Clint Dempsey’s opening goal in the first minute sent fans wild, but John Brooks’ winner just four minutes from time will remain one of the lasting moments of the tournament, the young defender barely able to stay conscious after such a vital goal for his country.
This heralded a wave of optimism, pride and anticipation for the next two group stage matches, with the USA able to negotiate their way to the second round, where they fell to Belgium after the most exhilarating period of extra-time in recent memory.
The excitement of their World Cup campaign is surely the reason for the ensuing statistics, and thanks to the USA team’s efforts, soccer looks to have made great strides this summer ahead of the 2015 Super Bowl.
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