Infamy is still a type of fame. This morning, I woke up to press all over the world talking about the spectacular fall of the Americans in the World Cup. They didn't just lose. They crashed and burned in flames of controversy. However, this captured the attention of a lot of people (much like the famous bra moment when Chastain clinched).
Frankly, the U.S. team is now a bigger story than the amazingly talented Brazil team that beat them. The American women have finally received the attention they sought. It wasn't for what they hoped for, but it's publicity.
If Ryan had let Solo play, and the defense had been more organized, and a new, fresh-legged forward had scored a goal, the U.S. could have still lost, say 2-1 and it would be a respectable loss that wouldn't have drawn the kind of attention that this story of coach versus goalkeeper has.
Solo's comments blows up the image of the team as "good little girls". Some might say, "good riddance" Others probably liked the angelic angle.
Anyway, here are a few of the stories that I thought were especially interesting on the topic.
What's also notable is that a lot of the outlets covering this story never bother with soccer at all, let alone women's soccer. They would have mentioned a World Cup win, sure, but not covered this story with all the commentary unless something like this happened.
What's also notable is that a lot of the outlets covering this story never bother with soccer at all, let alone women's soccer. They would have mentioned a World Cup win, sure, but not covered this story with all the commentary unless something like this happened.
ReplyDeleteHow about it. It's interesting to see/hear outlests like ESPN struggle to speak the language of soccer, especially in light of the WWC goalie controversy (and subsequent loss). And maybe I just never noticed it before, but it's wild to see the SportsCenter "rundown" include some obligatory soccer reference. Progress.
Kind of ironic when you put it in context with the Nike 'Best Team You Dont Know' ad campaign that's been running for the tournament where the 'PR Man' is doing unusual things to get attention.
ReplyDeletethe "you go girl" award? That's pretty sweet - is that a FIFA sanctioned prize?
ReplyDeleteIf I am USSF, I schedule a "rematch" as soon as possible in a big US stadium - take advantage of the publicity in the next weeks. Stick it in HDC, or Houston or Phoenix. Make it a nice payday for everyone. We have our new soccer enemy, and this could be the seeds for another "US-China-Brandi Chastain" type seminal event down the road.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea FC Uptown. I wonder if the USWNT will experience the "home field disadvantage" like the men usually face?
ReplyDelete