World Cup ratings in U.S. up 41 percent

[Renew Deal]

NEW YORK -- World Cup television viewership rose 41 percent over four years ago for English-language telecasts in the United States, with Spain's 1-0 overtime victory over the Netherlands setting a record for a men's soccer game.

Sunday's game in Johannesburg, which gave the Spanish their first World Cup title, was seen by 15,545,000 viewers on ABC, according to fast national ratings. The previous high was 14,863,000 viewers for the United States' 2-1 overtime loss to Ghana in the second round on June 26.

An additional 8,821,000 million viewers watched Spanish-language coverage Sunday on Univision, according to Nielsen Media Research, bringing the total to nearly 24.4 million.

ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 averaged a 2.1 rating, 2,288,000 households and 3,261,000 viewers for the 64 World Cup games. The rating was up 31 percent from a 1.6 four years ago, while households increased 32 percent from 1,735,000 and viewers rose from 2,316,000.

The increases had been higher while the U.S. remained in the tournament. Through the first 50 games, the rating was up 48 percent, households increased 54 percent and viewers rose 60 percent.
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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5374633/ce/us/world-cup-ratings-41-percent-us-2006-tournament?cc=5901&ver=us

[Condem]

1. I'll tell you what, Renew.

The Sports Column in IC was packed for the match. Not exactly a soccer town. Great to see. I didn't mind the physical play at all, on behalf of Holland. Reminded me of Big Ten football against the SEC.

[MadBadger]

2. Except without the dirty kicks to the chest, right?

[Condem]

3. Certainly you've watched Michigan State play? n/t