U.S. Fan Support Sets Viewing Records for Semifinal Match
U.S. Fan Support Sets Viewing Records for Semifinal Match
The United States versus Germany semifinal match of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup became the third most watched women’s soccer match of all-time with 8.4 million viewers, trailing only the USA-China Final in 1999 and USA-Japan Final in 2011.
The #USWNT has felt the fan support in-stadium too.
“The crowds have been outrageous,” veteran forward Abby Wambach said. “I know we are in Canada at the World Cup but it feels like we’re at home. So many of the stadiums have been full of American fans.”
Wambach proceeded to give specifics about the fan support in Montreal against Germany, “with it being a dome, it made it even louder so when that second goal went in it was almost as if the roof came off. I couldn’t be more thankful of all the Americans for crossing the border to come support us. We hope we give you something you can really cheer about today.”
That United States versus Germany match also became the most-watched World Cup semifinal – men’s or women’s – ever in the United States, breaking the mark set by Germany-Italy in the 2006 Men’s World Cup (5.9).
The top markets for the semifinal match were Kansas City and St. Louis (9.3) (Fox Sports). The National Women’s Soccer League team, FC Kansas City boasts a League best four players on the U.S. WNT roster: Lauren Holiday, Heather O’Reilly, Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn.
The highly anticipated 2011 World Cup Final rematch between the United States and Japan at BC Place in Vancouver, kicks off today at 4 p.m. PT and it is already sold-out. Additionally, #FanHQ was packed with Red, White and Blue last night, as fans came out to celebrate the night before the big game. The party continues today at The Commodore Ballroom from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT.
The U.S. WNT players feel an extra sense of nationalism with the World Cup Final falling just one day after Independence Day. “It’s always an honor to be playing in a World Cup Final, but it’s even better playing in the World Cup Final the day after the Fourth of July,” said Carli Lloyd. “ We have a special opportunity to give America something extra to celebrate on an already special weekend for our country.”
Lauren Holiday added, “To play this game on the world stage on America’s birthday, there’s just an undeniable sense of pride and patriotism among the group right now.”
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final will be broadcast on FOX and Telemundo with coverage beginning at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET.