NEWS: Soccer Proved Most Exciting Sport

I was actually rooting for the Wallabees in that match.

And he whose name I will not mention won't be in France for 2007.

But then, the All Blacks will.

As a (former) Rugby Player in Italian second division I must agree with the other guys who posted before me,that I like it best.But It's clear tath if wetalk about predictability,Rugby hardly provides surprises.The stronger team wins,there isn't much more to say.

BUT:

Really?I dont' understand how they can say this.RWC is doubtless one of the most expensive,well organised sport event in the world,but I don't think there are so many viewer.I'd like to see some article about that,if you have.

Ok,this answer my previous question.

So,as we all know those are extimated audiences,referred to the population of the countries whose tv (no matter if public,private,satellite or cable) have bought the rights to broadcast the matches.It means that they are meaningless,cause if for example an Italian satelite tv buy the rights they consider that the whole country is watching the match.The average actual number of people watching RWC 2003 in Italy was about 1.5M for an Italy match,and something around 1M for the final Australia-England.

For Soccer matches,the average is of 7-8 millions,up to 25 for a World Cup Final (as Italy-Brasil at USA 94).

In the whole Europe,excepts UK,Ireland and France,Rugby is even less popular.In Africa and Asia there are almost only soccer fans,so it'sclear that those figures are nothing more than propaganda.

On the other end,we can't eny that the popularity of Rugby is growing up all around the world.When I started playing 15 years ago nobody in my country knew what rugby was,now it's a movement that has acquired popularity and visibility,and I think in the states it's quite similar.

i could have told them this.

You are talking about 1999 World cup,aren't you?

We all know how AB's usually lose their mind at RWC,and France was a very strong team.
Come on,let's take a look to the 2003 quarter finalist:the three team playing Tri nations and the Five traditional team playing the Six Nations.Italy was the only team playing one of the main tournaments not being able to qualify,just because was in a group with AB's and Wales.

Not a single surprise among 8 teams,this is much more than a coincidence:the stronger wins.

On the other end,the inaugural match of Korea/japan 2004 was Senegal-France,and Senegal defeated France (the defender team and European champion) easily.

I believe the large red-headed bodyguard in Mighty Max once commented that football would be an excellent sport if only it was played with swords. I concur, and will refrain from paying any attention to it until edged weapons are introduced to the field.