By Ed Piper
With the U.S. women's team barely squeaking into the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand following a blah 0-0 draw against Portugal overnight--and I do mean overnight--Aug. 1, I realize I better write something about the event before the Americans get eliminated next Sunday in the round of 16.
The truth is, the powers-that-be never set up U.S. matches that could be viewed at a reasonable hour in America after the U.S.'s underwhelming 3-0 win over Vietnam on the second day of the tournament. That match started at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on a Friday evening. A good viewing time.
The other thing: America, despite the presence of superstar/mom Alex Morgan, the retiring Megan Rapinoe, and others, can't score a goal worth beans.
First, the times of matches. There was plenty of build-up for the American women prior to the World Cup opening two weeks ago. Looking back, it was apparent Fox was promoting the WWC to fans in the U.S. to watch their national team. Viewing of other nations' teams, which I'm into, was never encouraged.
Watching other teams has been pretty much out of the question, with matches held at all hours of the night in the U.S. and no replays during the day (other than the initial weekend). I watched part of Spain-Costa Rica from July 21, the second day of the tournament. I watched Canada-Nigeria from the first day, July 20.
Was there really momentum among U.S. sponsors to market the 2023 event? Was part of the lack of energy in featuring World Cup matches by any team the result of the conclusion by American advertisers that the U.S. wasn't as powerful as its two World Cup-winning predecessors in 2019 and 2015, and so why put the money into it?
On the second point, the lack of goals for the U.S. has gone from Sophia Smith, 23, scoring two goals and Lindsey Horan one against Vietnam--a very weak squad Alexi Lalas, the former player now commentator, called a glorified practice game--to one in the 1-1 draw with number-nine-ranked Netherlands the second week. Then, against Portugal, another first-time tournament entrant, last night, the highly-publicized Americans couldn't score a whit.
I'm not a soccer pundit, for male or female soccer. But the Fox commentators and later reaction indicate Portugal played much better than expected in tying the U.S. I get that part.
It doesn't look good for American chances overall as we enter the Round of 16.
Question: Why can't commentators just say the U.S. tied Portugal, instead of using the stale soccer term "draw"? There is so much tradition, I know. Heck, we gringos don't even call soccer "football", we made up another word for the name of the sport. Ugh.
The U.S. women are a major force pushing for national federations to make pay equal for male and female soccer players. I get the equality thing. It's about fairness.
But then American powers-that-be don't even use their influence to have this year's World Cup matches at viewable hours at which Americans can gather and celebrate their team. Come on. Last night's game, which I DVR'ed, started at 12 midnight Pacific Time, which is 3 a.m. Eastern Time, advertisers' primary market. That's a joke.
I would want my granddaughter influenced in a positive way by the model of Alex Morgan, 34, and other women public figures. My granddaughter is a good athlete, 11 years old. She has desires and dreams not just in sports but in art and other areas of involvement. Good for her. Her parents support her being a well-rounded young woman. Go for it.
